Hubelino roof tiles expand building possibilities to include classic house shapes

With its new roof tiles, Hubelino is responding to something that has long been missing in free building: houses could be built, but they always remained without roofs. The red roof tiles now close this gap and expand the construction game to include an obvious building shape that is anchored in everyday life. Children build houses – and can now finish them realistically.

A return to free construction

In conversation, it becomes clear that many parents and retailers would like to focus more on the actual building process again. Themed worlds and highly specified sets are present, but often leave little room for your own ideas. Roof tiles seem almost obvious here, but were not available until now. With them, free construction is once again taking center stage: walls, floors, and now roofs are created from your own imagination, without prescribing play scenarios or figures.

Two sets with different requirements

Hubelino is launching two versions of the roof tiles. The smaller set focuses on a classic gable roof, while the larger set expands the possibilities with additional shaped tiles. This allows you to build not only simple houses, but also more complex roof shapes. The target group starts early – children as young as 18 months can make their first attempts at building and develop these skills as they get older.

• Small set with gable roof for simple designs
• Large set with additional shaped bricks for more variable roofs
• Compatible with common interlocking brick systems

Compatibility as a central principle

An important point is complete compatibility with well-known interlocking bricks from other manufacturers. Existing building worlds do not need to be replaced, but can be expanded in a targeted manner. This encourages long-term play because existing bricks can continue to be used. This is a clear advantage, especially in the everyday life of many families who have accumulated different building block systems.

The importance of building shapes for early childhood development

Houses are among the first complex structures that children build. Roofs are not only a visual element, but also pose structural challenges: slopes, stability, and symmetrical shapes must be understood. Such building elements promote spatial thinking, fine motor skills, and an initial sense of statics—without these aspects having to be explained. Learning takes place through trial and error.

Ball tracks, building blocks, and systems thinking

Even though Hubelino is well known for its ball tracks, there is a common principle at work here: systems that remain open. Ball tracks and building blocks work particularly well when they are not limited to a single construction method. Add-ons such as roof tiles take up this systems thinking and complement it in a meaningful way instead of replacing it. Existing elements take on new functions, and new building ideas emerge from the available material.

Manufacturing and origin as part of the concept

Another aspect that comes up in conversation is production in Germany. This is important to many retailers and often to parents as well. Short transport routes, traceable manufacturing, and consistent quality are arguments that are particularly relevant in the toddler segment. They are not the main focus here, but they are part of the overall picture.

Supplement rather than reorientation

The roof tiles do not fundamentally change the Hubelino system, but rather complement it logically. Building remains open, individual, and combinable. Houses get a roof, constructions appear more complete—without the game becoming more restrictive. This is precisely the appeal of this expansion: it seems natural, even though it has been missing for a long time.