The demonstration centre
The facility is at Stoneleaf Building Materials in West Hanningfield, Chelmsford, according to Roofing Today. It combines an indoor product demonstration area with an exterior that uses materials imported and distributed by the company.
The trade counter building takes its form from an Essex barn. Stoneleaf Celtic Grey Natural Slates cover its steeply pitched roof, making the building itself part of the product display rather than relying solely on separate samples.
Inside, clay and concrete tiles are arranged on demonstration roofs. Stoneleaf says the displays are intended to show customers how materials look and fit when installed, before they commit to a choice for a project.
Products and project advice
An Escandella Tile Library provides a selection of roof tiles and fittings for visitors to examine. The window displays feature Velux and Dakea products, with different internal finishes and opening styles that customers can try.
The counter also carries roofing tools and other supplies. Brands named in the report include Monument, EDMA, CMS, Manthorpe, Ulti-Mate, Klober and Viper.
A separate meeting area is available for discussions about new-build and renovation work. Customers can use it to review plans with Stoneleaf’s roofing team, compare options and discuss technical specifications.
Managing director Bob Curry said the centre brings together technical information and products from the company’s international production partners. He invited homeowners, designers, roofers and contractors to visit and speak to staff.
The business behind the showroom
Stoneleaf was founded in 1998 and operates as an independent importer and wholesaler. Its first premises were a portacabin, where a cardboard box served as a stand for the fax machine.
The company says its showroom team includes long-serving employees and that its first customer still buys from the business. It describes advice for contractors, specifiers and homeowners as part of its service alongside supplying roofing products.
Roofing Today gives the site’s postcode as CM2 8LA. Customers can contact the business on 01277 841 555 or through the Stoneleaf website.