Karat RS tile awarded the “Red Dot: Best of the Best” prize for innovation

An innovative tile for low-slope roofs

Present on the market for five decades, the original Karat model has received numerous technical and aesthetic innovations. Now the Karat RS is ready to reach new heights!

Since the 1970s, the Karat tile has remained Erlus's signature, giving the brand a unique distinction. After conquering the market for 50 years, this classic has been masterfully transformed, skillfully combining design and cutting-edge technology. At every stage of this evolution, the Erlus technical laboratory team has collaborated closely with the external design studio. Special design studioTheir expertise and creativity have created a perfect symbiosis between form and function.

A classic reinvented, the original spirit preserved

The process of modernizing the clay tile lasted approximately three years. The specifications required the maintenance of numerous components throughout the production line.

« The reinvention of the Karat tile aimed to significantly improve its characteristics while refining its aesthetic language., explains Dieter Tröger, director of the central tile laboratory at Erlus. The main technical challenge was to increase its resistance to rainwater infiltration, but also its resistance to wind and frost, as well as its load capacity. " Designers and technicians then had to be very creative. Developing such a demanding product requires excellent technicians. It also requires its designers to delve deeply into the material. " adds Jens Pohlmann of Special design studio.

A durable tile, equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions

In the face of the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions linked to climate change, the new Karat RS tile offers three remarkable advantages:

• Its triple side and head interlocking system provides an effective barrier against torrential rain. The tile thus protects the under-roof from a minimum roof slope of 7 degrees.
• The quadruple overlap at the corners of the tiles reinforces their resistance to the suction effect of the wind.
• The all-new ribbed structure on the underside finally provides enhanced protection against hail damage.

A tile with a world-renowned award-winning design

The Red Dot Design Award has remained one of the world's most prestigious design competitions for nearly 70 years. In 1955, a pioneering panel of jurors convened for the very first time, marking the beginning of this celebration of innovation and creativity. Since the 1990s, the coveted "Red Dot" label has established itself as a respected international symbol, synonymous with undisputed excellence in design. Winners are honored through publications in specialist directories, exhibitions, and online visibility. The brands awarded the award are nothing less than icons of contemporary design.

Just before this consecration, the Karat RS tile from Erlus had already won the iF Design Award 2024. A double distinction obtained well before its arrival on the market.

The Karat RS tile from Erlus has won the Red Dot Design Award 2024 and its highest distinction "Red Dot: The Best of the Best"