CASE STUDY: Stable Block with ONDUVILLA Tiles
24 October 2025A quieter, heritage-style roof wins planning approval at Yorkshire Stables
When a client set out to replace a converted double garage with a new eight-horse stable block in Yorkshire, he faced multiple constraints: strict local heritage requirements, budget limitations, structural challenges, and a strong desire to create a calm, comfortable environment for the animals.
Planning consent from Selby District Council, now part of North Yorkshire Council, required that any new structure remain sympathetic to the area’s rural character. The new building needed to reflect the traditional 40-degree clay pantile roof aesthetic of the nearby farmhouse and surrounding outbuildings. The original garage had mirrored that roofline, and the customer wanted to preserve the same pitch to maintain continuity with the local architecture.
ONDUVILLA - visually authentic tile
However, genuine clay pantiles soon proved too heavy and prohibitively expensive for the project. Determined to find an alternative that would satisfy both the planners and his own design vision, the customer discovered Onduline’s ONDUVILLA roofing system, a lightweight, durable and visually authentic tile, made from bitumen and cellulose fibres that captures the charm of clay pantiles while delivering modern performance benefits.
Installation was carried out by Mike Barker of Highfield Equestrian in Thirsk, who was immediately struck by the roof’s steep angle. Mike said:
“This was one of the steepest roofs I’ve ever worked on for a stable. Achieving a watertight and durable finish was absolutely critical, and the ONDUVILLA system made that simple. It’s easy to handle, fits securely, and performs brilliantly in wet weather.”
For the customer, it wasn’t just about meeting planning and budget requirements. He was also conscious of the impact that materials can have on the welfare of the horses. Traditional metal or tin roofs can generate significant noise during heavy rain, which can easily unsettle animals. Onduline’s bituminous roofing systems, are proven to be up to 4 x quieter than metal alternatives, a difference that creates a calmer, more comfortable environment for livestock and horses.
...the horses are much more relaxed, even during storms
“The quieter roof was a big factor for me,” said the client. “Anyone who spends time around horses knows how sensitive they can be to sound. I wanted stables where they wouldn’t be startled every time it rained. The difference is noticeable, the horses are much more relaxed, even during storms.”
This focus on acoustic comfort aligns with Onduline’s wider research into animal welfare, which has shown that reduced noise levels can help lower stress in stabled horses, improving behaviour and general well-being. By minimising noise and maintaining a stable temperature, the ONDUVILLA system supports a peaceful, low-stress environment year-round.
Sustainability also played an important role in the project. The ONDUVILLA tiles are manufactured using 50% recycled fibres, free from asbestos and hazardous materials, and designed for long-term durability. Their sustainable composition proved to be another key selling point during the planning process.
“The council were really supportive once they realised ONDUVILLA combines the traditional aesthetic with strong environmental credentials,” added the client. “That combination was the clincher for us, it looked right, performed well, and met modern sustainability expectations.”
Authenticity of ONDUVILLA
Completed between February and May 2025, the new stables blend seamlessly with the character of the nearby farm buildings. Many visitors assume the roof is made from genuine clay pantiles until they are told otherwise, a testament to the authenticity of ONDUVILLA’s shaded red finish and traditional profile. The system’s lightweight design also reduced structural demands and installation time, helping to keep the build on budget while achieving an excellent watertight result.
ONDUVILLA - style without compromising on cost
For livery owners, contractors and developers seeking to replicate traditional architectural styles without compromising on cost, performance or welfare, the Yorkshire stable project highlights the versatility of ONDUVILLA. It delivers heritage aesthetics, watertight reliability, sustainable materials and a quieter, calmer space for animals, proving that modern roofing solutions can meet both environmental and welfare expectations without sacrificing character.
