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The Crowning Glory

Bespoke Roofs

One of the first things that attracts our eyes is the roof on a structure .

Tropical Buildings specializes in creating and constructing unique roofs that add that special touch of "spectactular'.

Lines that swoop and reach for the heavens, graceful flowing shapes that are easy on the eye or more traditional styles. If you can think it we can construct it, and we love a challenge!

We can match an architect's vision of an overall design or as a separate individual unit to be added to an existing site. 

We work in sustainable materials that have also proven over time to have long life-times, offering a blend of natural beauty, durability, and only theuse of government-approved, sustainably sourced timber to ensure environmental responsibility.  

 

                                             

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Our roofing options include: 

  • Ironwood Shingles: Known for their strength and longevity, these shingles give a classic look while resisting the elements.  

  • Alang Alang Thatching: A traditional thatching material, alang alang offers natural insulation and a distinctive tropical appearance.  

  • Corrugated Zincalume Steel: Combining lightweight properties with corrosion resistance, this option is ideal for modern tropical designs.  

  • Design Features: 

  • Variety of Ridge and Hip Cappings: Choose from built-up shingle ridges, flush shingle ridges, or timber-capped ridges to suit your architectural style. 

  • Interior Ceiling Options: Opt for exposed shingles for a rustic look, or select from our rattan or bamboo bedeg linings for added texture and warmth. 

 

Iron wood  Shingles – Enduring Beauty  

 

Our ironwood shingles are a hallmark of Tropical Buildings’ craftsmanship and innovation, and are sourced from durable, tropical hardwood. 

Sustainably harvested and aged with character, these shingles offer:

  • Natural resistance to moisture, insects, and tropical decay

  • A soft silver patina over time 

  • Optional interior finishes like woven rattan or bamboo bedeg for warmth and texture

  • Multiple ridge and hip profiles to match your desired aesthetics

  • Available in various cuts and finishes, ideal for tropical climates and coastal locations. 

Choose exposed interiors for a raw, architectural feel or opt for rattan or bamboo ceiling linings for added texture and insulation.    

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 In our quest to provide as complete a prefabricated product as possible we have incorporated  unique and significant features in the shingles we offer.

Traditionally, the battens are laid on the roof and then the shingles are nailed one by one to these battens.

PT Balegede Internasional provide the shingles already glued (water resistant glue) and stapled (stainless steel staples) to 20mm x 30mm x 2900 mm Bangkirai battens. These are then easily and quickly laid over the rafters, utilising our innovative system for joining battens, and cutting the onsite application time down to approximately 20% of normal practice.

 

Woven by Hand: Alang Alang Thatch

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When ambiance matters as much as function, our alang alang thatch roofing delivers with organic charm and ecological intelligence.

​We’ve reimagined traditional alang-alang thatch, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance while preserving its natural charm. Our method ensures better water runoff, fire resistance, and a longer lifespan — combining timeless aesthetics with modern performance.

Each roof is carefully handwoven by skilled Balinese artisans, giving spaces a soft, inviting texture that feels inherently connected to the natural world.

  • Naturally insulating and breathable

  • Ideal for open-air pavilions, beach clubs, and resort lounges

  • Authentically tropical, aesthetically calming

Our alang-alang is sourced from optimal locations, and we personally oversee its harvesting and drying,  each section is crafted to two meters long for efficient shipping.

We’ve replaced the traditional bamboo batten spine with a durable PVC pipe, offering a smoother, more flexible fold, especially for circular buildings. This also prevents insect damage and dust buildup. A treated bamboo insert strengthens the pipe, ensuring clean, reliable joins. This unique system allows alang-alang to be easily nailed or screwed on-site, reducing labor and installation time. 

Our prefabricated hip coverings, using larger PVC pipes, screw directly onto the hip timber, improving both performance and durability.

Minimal maintenance is needed, though varnishing the inside enhances appearance.

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