Issue 37 Spring 23 WEB - Flipbook - Page 60
The result is a rooflight architects repeatedly specify for
heritage projects, knowing it will fit seamlessly into the
design of the building, be a true authentic representation
of the original cast iron design and deliver on thermal
performance.
A key element to achieving this careful balance involved
replacing the buildings’ old rooflights with the Rooflight
Company’s original Conservation Rooflights. The use of
rooflights throughout the pitched roof allowed for natural
light to flood bathrooms, bedrooms were attractively lit
from above and hallways were awash with an abundance
of natural light. This ensured the rooms remained
light and airy, with a feeling of spaciousness, whilst complementing the original architecture of the building. As the
rooflights sit flush to the roof they are largely inconspicuous
from the exterior. With both opening and non-opening
styles, allowing for ventilation and climate control the
rooflights are free from unsightly fittings both inside and
out, satisfying both owners and planning officers alike.
Planners and Conservation Officers also rely on this
product range to bring our nation’s precious buildings up
to the latest performance standards with sympathy and
elegance, which is evident in the installation of the
Conservation Rooflights in some of our country’s most
significant heritage renovations.
The Double Red Duke, situated in the Cotswolds village
of Clanfield is one such heritage building. One of Oxfordshire’s most iconic inns, with a history dating back to the
1600s, legend has it, that it was named after a Clanfield
farmer, who gave away much of the ‘double red’ corn he
grew, to the villagers. Whether this legend is true, we’re
not quite sure, but we know that the inn itself was built
only about a century after that time, during the Tudor era.
The result is an award-winning inn, with accolades
including entry into the Sunday Times 100 Best British
Hotels in 2021. Testament to the quality and comfort of
the rooms and the stunning yet sympathetic renovations.
Although the legend of where it got its name is lost to
history, the building itself is certainly typical of buildings
this age, and the owners of this impressive property took
on the challenge of a sympathetic renovation. This was
achieved with grace, maintaining the enormous character
of the building, encapsulating its history, whilst also
creating a warm, snug and cosy inn, with 19 individually
designed bedrooms, a mini spa and an award-winning
restaurant.
One of the main challenges to achieving the owners’ brief
was the careful balancing act of thermal efficiency and
modernising the property without compromising its
much-loved character and aesthetic.
All pictures of Double Red Duke courtesy of The Rooflight Company
The Rooflight Company has been designing and
engineering conservation rooflights for three decades and
has a wealth of expertise in the heritage and conservation
arena. Outstanding levels of quality are a feature of both
their architectural toplighting solutions and their
customer service, which includes bespoke design and
production right in the heart of the Cotswolds. Their
expert innovation team are always on hand to advise and
support at all stages of a project for both listed and unlisted
buildings. Protecting against the elements, remaining
sympathetic to the character of the building, adhering to
planning restrictions and meeting all applicable building
regulations are exactly what can be expected of products
from the Rooflight Company. With meticulously hand
crafted rooflights, the quality of these products speak for
themselves. To find out more or to speak to one of their
experts, visit: www.therooflightcompany.com
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