Idea Group’s revolutionary roofing brand, i‑ROOF, cemented its reputation as the country’s premier polymer roofing innovator by securing the “Best Product Award” at the Kadella Building and Construction Exhibition 2017. Held at the BMICH, this annual exhibition is the largest and most influential construction‑industry event in Sri Lanka, drawing thousands of architects, engineers, builders, and homeowners eager to discover the latest materials and technologies.
The Best Product Award is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed at Kadella, and the selection process is exceptionally rigorous. A panel of eminent judges — comprising senior academics, engineering professionals, and industry veterans — spends several days inspecting nominated products on criteria that include innovation, design excellence, practical utility, durability, environmental sustainability, and economic value. In 2017, over 120 products were nominated across numerous categories, yet i‑ROOF’s UPVC Spanish‑style roofing tiles emerged as the clear winner.
What impressed the jury most was i‑ROOF’s successful fusion of traditional aesthetics with cutting‑edge polymer technology. For generations, Sri Lankans have cherished the distinctive, undulating profile of clay Spanish tiles — a look that evokes a sense of warmth, heritage, and prestige. However, traditional clay tiles are heavy, brittle, and expensive to transport and install. They also require timber sub‑roof structures that contribute to deforestation, and their porous nature can lead to moss growth and water seepage over time.
i‑ROOF’s polymer‑based alternative, manufactured using advanced extrusion and injection moulding techniques, recreated that beloved tile silhouette while eliminating every associated drawback. The tiles are significantly lighter — reducing structural loads by up to 60% compared to clay — yet they demonstrate superior impact resistance, withstanding hailstones and falling branches without cracking. They are completely waterproof, termite‑proof, and resistant to fungal and algal growth, even in Sri Lanka’s most humid regions.
Furthermore, the environmental angle was pivotal in the jury’s decision. i‑ROOF tiles do not require a single plank of timber for the sub‑roof structure, directly contributing to forest conservation. Idea Group estimates that every 1,000 square feet of i‑ROOF installation saves approximately two mature trees that would otherwise be felled for rafters and reapers. This statistic resonated deeply with the panel, which had placed special emphasis on sustainable construction practices for the 2017 exhibition.
The award was also a testament to Idea Group’s manufacturing prowess. The i‑ROOF facility in Biyagama, which at the time had recently expanded to become South Asia’s largest PVC roofing factory, operates 24‑hour production lines with rigorous quality control at every stage. From raw material mixing to final packaging, the process is automated and monitored, ensuring each tile meets consistent dimensions and performance standards. The Kadella judges toured the factory and were impressed by the scale, cleanliness, and technological sophistication of the operation.
Commenting on the win, the Chief Operating Officer of Idea Group said: “This award is not just a feather in our cap; it is a validation of our entire philosophy. We entered the building materials industry because we saw an opportunity to do things differently — to challenge the status quo with science, creativity, and a deep respect for the environment. i‑ROOF embodies that spirit, and the Kadella Best Product Award confirms that the market is ready for this change.”
The recognition sparked a surge in i‑ROOF’s popularity across the island. Builders who had been hesitant to try polymer roofing began to place trial orders, and within months, i‑ROOF was being specified in everything from luxury boutique hotels to affordable housing schemes funded by the government. The award also opened doors for international exposure; subsequent to this win, i‑ROOF was invited to and successfully exhibited at the Big 5 Expo in Dubai, further solidifying its status as a global player.
For Idea Group, the Kadella Best Product Award was more than a trophy — it was a turning point that propelled i‑ROOF into the mainstream consciousness of Sri Lanka’s construction industry. It remains a proud chapter in the company’s journey and a benchmark for what passion, innovation, and rigorous engineering can accomplish.