Issue 37 Spring 23 WEB - Flipbook - Page 58
Double Red
Duke, Clanfield
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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.
• 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.
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• A single glazed appearance – the original Victorian
rooflight was only available with a single pane of glass
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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