How a sympathetic renovation to an historic 17th century coaching inn delivered authenticity in design whilst ensuring 21st century comfort for the guests.
As originators of the Conservation Rooflight, the team at The Rooflight Company are experts at designing solutions that require a sympathetic renovation in keeping with the character of a building whilst also delivering ultra-modern performance standards.
Thirty years ago, the Rooflight Company founder and architect, Peter King, created the original Conservation Rooflight. Since then, the design has been carefully refined so that each element continues to emulate the cast iron Victorian roof window, whilst meeting the ever-improving modern building regulations, including Part L requirements concerning the limiting factors for both new and existing dwellings.
When it comes to the finer details of a heritage rooflight, there are several features that must be included to ensure the true characteristics of the original Victorian roof windows are protected. Whilst most features such as being top hung with exposed hinges, having glazing bars and a flush finish are more well known, there are more intricate details that make a truly authentic Conservation Rooflight. These include the following three vital elements.
• A single glazed appearance – the original Victorian rooflight was only available with a single pane of glass using a 1” overlap at the cill. With modern thermal performance requirements, double glazed units are now essential to support the protection of our environment and conserve energy. It is possible to incorporate an insulated glazing unit whilst staying true to the authentic aesthetic, which the Rooflight Company achieve through the 25mm stepped glazing edge.
• Glazing clips – In the Victorian era, a single pane of glass was held in place with putty and clips. Whilst modern technology ensures glazing units today are secured firmly in place, the Rooflight Company still retain the use of glazing clips at the cill of the rooflight to reference back to that original design feature. The visual is further enhanced through a hand-applied perimeter application of silicone which mirrors the putty of old, whilst ensuring modern weathering performance and longevity.
• Fine lines – Due to the manufacturing capabilities of the 1800s, the original cast iron framework was minimal. In the 21st century, thermally efficient rooflights require a robust frame structure to minimise heat loss. The Rooflight Company’s Design Engineers have developed the perfect balance, achieving the much-desired fine lines, whilst simultaneously and consistently rising to the challenge of the ever improving thermal performance requirements.