During a visit to the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, the couple discovered Tapco Roofing and its TapcoSlate roof system on display in the Trade Village.
“Both from a distance and being right up next to it you could not tell the tiles weren’t real slate,” says Emma. “The product fitted in well with our Design Brief in terms of impact and maintenance.
“Right from the start the goal for the roof was to maximise our solar panels. Next was ensuring the panels and roofing tiles fit seamlessly together to give us a weatherproof and low maintenance structure."
Helping homeowners Emma and Simon Candy make their dream of an energy efficient roof come true has turned into something extra special for roofing contractor Ricky Fletcher with RF Roofing LTD from Coldstream. For his exceptional work on the project, he received a 2025 Elite Roofing Award from Tapco Roofing Products.
“The TapcoSlate product is well suited to support these goals, and Ricky made it happen. We know he and his crew put all their expertise on the line for us to make this a perfect roof. They very much deserve being recognised with this Elite Roofing Award!”
Designing a Roof Around Renewable Energy
From the outset, the homeowners wanted the roof to work hard for the property long-term. Working alongside their solar provider, they designed a system featuring 25 solar panels with a total installed capacity of 10.1kWp, supported by a 10kWh battery storage system.
Since being commissioned in August 2024, the system has generated significantly more electricity than the household consumes, with surplus energy exported back to the grid.
However, integrating such a large solar array into the roof design presented challenges. Ricky was tasked with delivering a weatherproof, visually seamless finish using TapcoSlate alongside the solar installation.
“The amount of solar panels and their positioning on the roof made this a particularly difficult job,” says Ricky. “To get the job started and ensure everything worked out properly I had to rely on all of my 30 years of roofing experience. The width of the TapcoSlate tiles helped out quite a bit. Once the roof was set out properly then it became a fairly easy job to complete.”
Combining Contemporary Design with Traditional Character
The project was designed with support from Allan Corfield Architects, another long-term NSBRC partner, who worked closely with the homeowners to create a bespoke home that balanced energy efficiency with the rural Scottish setting.
According to Associate and Senior Chartered Architect, Iga Panczyna, the roofing product played an important role in achieving both the planning and aesthetic goals of the project.
“The textured moulds and irregular edges of TapcoSlate convincingly reflect the character of natural slate - an important factor in achieving planning approval,” says Iga. “There are also practical advantages: the slates are significantly lighter than natural stone, reducing structural loads and easing handling on-site. From an environmental perspective, the slates are made from natural materials, designed for minimal installation waste, and offer a long lifespan.
“Unlike some imitation products that struggle to capture the authenticity of natural finishes, TapcoSlate impresses us with its realistic appearance. Its use on the Candy Project in the Stone Black colour enhances the intended contemporary Scottish aesthetic complementing the rural setting while delivering a clean, modern edge. “From the carefully considered roof design and renewable energy integration to the successful use of TapcoSlate, the project demonstrates how client vision, sustainable design principles, and modern materials can come together to create a home that is both functional and visually striking.”
Discovering Solutions at the NSBRC
For Emma and Simon, visiting the NSBRC helped turn ideas into informed decisions.
This project highlights how connecting homeowners with knowledgeable exhibitors, innovative products and experienced professionals can help self-builders overcome complex challenges and achieve outstanding results.