Inspiring architecture through sustainable clay roofing tiles

Challenging the properties of a traditional roofing tile, the Samson Rajarata Tile is a successful technical creation developed in Sri Lanka. These tiles are manufactured by Samson Rajarata Tiles Ltd, a subsidiary of the DSI Samson Group, which has always believed in locally manufacturing products that enjoy high demand in foreign markets instead of importing foreign products.

Consumers have always desired beautiful, colourful and strong roofs that are affordable. Though there are varied companies that manufacture roofing tiles using many different raw materials, Samson Rajarata Tiles are made from 100% natural clay and have always been among the most preferred in Sri Lanka. This is the reason they have been selected for a host of building developments, ranging from small houses to mansions and large hotels. 

Combining the same clay which was utilised to build the palaces of the ancient civilisations of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, age-old knowledge passed down generations, modern Japanese technology and the aesthetics of ancient royals, these tile products are manufactured to meet present-day housing requirements. They are made available for local use and for export by Samson Rajarata Tiles Ltd. 

Samson Rajarata Tiles, manufactured through a completely different process than that of traditional roofing tiles, are a more technical creation than regular roofing tiles. While Samson Rajarata Tiles have been used in many large-scale constructions in Sri Lanka, they have also become a solution to many of the issues that spring up while creating a roof.

“More than the price consideration, Samson Rajarata Tiles are manufactured to meet high standards, paying attention to their strength and value. The strength of a tile would be approximately 1,000 Newtons. Therefore the tile has the strength to withstand any situation and has enduring qualities. A special feature of the tiles is the interlocking system, where any given tile is connected to four other tiles. It is a great solution for roofing in areas around the country where monkeys are known to destroy roofs,” said the company’s Assistant General Manager Sudesh Rathnayaka.

Another special feature is the fact that the roofing tile absorbs less than 10% of moisture from its surroundings. This prevents structural roof damage that is generally created by the weighing down of tiles which have absorbed considerable amounts of water during the rainy season. For that reason by using Samson Rajarata Tiles building a roofing structure that is required to carry the tiles’ dry weight is enough. That’s why Samson Rajarata Tiles can be considered to be such a technical creation in the roofing industry market. 

Meanwhile, a network of technical consultants is available for customers to obtain basic tile information prior to making a purchase and to obtain after-sales services free of charge. They, together with supervisors, are available to visit the construction site for advisory requirements as the tiles require a specific roofing structure to be constructed.

Made with Japanese technology, another key feature of the tiles is that they are baked using gas as a constant specific temperature is required for the perfect bake. Made from 100% natural clay sourced from the Nachchduwa tank, the tiles are free from environmentally hazardous cement and asbestos. They are therefore considered safe for human use. The tiles are currently exported to the United Kingdom. 

Rathnayaka stated that Samson Rajarata Tiles Ltd. is now a leader among clay tile manufacturing factories in South Asia, with a monthly production capacity of 400,000.

The tiles are a brainchild of DSI Samson Group Managing Director Kulathunga Rajapaksha, who used the ancient concept of ‘Vavay- Dagabuy’ (Lake and Temple) in a modern context. Ancient tanks that are being destroyed through the deposit of silt are dredged and the fully natural clay is used in the manufacture of the tiles and marketed both locally and internationally. 

In addition to saving the ancient kingdoms’ lakes and providing quality service to consumers, 250 families have been given jobs through the manufacture of these tiles and many CSR ventures have been conducted by the group.