Bristile Roofing has introduced a new range of terracotta tiles that aligns well with the current minimalist trend in architecture. The new La Escandella Ghost White terracotta tiles represent an innovation in roof tiles as these complement just about any style of home from coastal and contemporary to traditional.

“We have seen our fair share of white metal roofs,” says Australian Trend Forecast director, Kim Chadwick, “but to see a white roof tile emerge that’s as elegant and sophisticated as La Escandella is a new and exciting thing. And I think it will have enormous popularity given trends at the moment.”

While earthy brick colours still rule the popularity charts, Australians are also considering black, grey and white bricks, says Chadwick. Black and grey are also increasingly being used in interior spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, while dark grey exteriors are becoming more popular than ever. These unusual colours were listed in Home Beautiful acting editor Katrina O’Brien’s top 5 trends that dominated the magazine’s 50 Beautiful Rooms 2019.

The colour and material palette needs to be carefully considered when a white roof sits on a dark grey façade. One could balance it with light stone paving, retaining walls and landscaping features, Chadwick suggests, but white roof tiles really shine on a white-on-white house.

“There’s a real trend in contemporary housing for the same colour to be used throughout, and white on white is very strong,” she says. “A monochromatic palette allows the architectural elements of a house to speak for themselves.”

Hamptons-style homes – luxurious, symmetrical, two-storey residences influenced by the coast and featuring mostly white or light colours – will work well with La Escandella tiles.

The La Escandella terracotta tile in Ghost White is available in two ranges: the sleek, flat Planum profile, and the modernised Innova profile, which suits most housing styles.

“Both ranges can be applied to a roof with a pitch as low as 15 degrees, making them ideal for contemporary-style houses,” says Brickworks Building Products Brand and Communications Manager – Bricks and Roofing, Paul Byrne.

La Escandella terracotta tiles also have strong green credentials. “Terracotta roof tiles reflect more heat away from your home, resulting in lower cooling requirements,” says Byrne. “With Ghost White, the level of solar reflectivity is even better.”

Installing these tiles will, therefore, help Australians keep their homes at a comfortable temperature, and reduce their energy bills. Terracotta roof tiles are also effective for reducing noise in the home, lowering noise by about 25 decibels compared to roofing materials such as metal.

Chadwick predicts that the white roof tile will first be embraced in Australia’s warmer states, such as Queensland and Western Australia. However, there is a lot of scope in Sydney and Melbourne.

“It will start with architecturally designed houses and very quickly find its way into a more mainstream market,” she added.

La Escandella roof tiles also have a 100-year product warranty and are guaranteed not to fade.