Issue 44 winter 24 - Journal - Page 60
complement historic properties and align with the aesthetics of its pitched counterpart The Conservation
Rooflight, is purposefully designed for installing into lead
roofs. The Conservation Plateau rooflight for flat roofs
stems from The Rooflight Co’s detailed understanding of
delivering sympathetically designed rooflights for pitched
roofs. Taking design cues from The Original Conservation
Rooflight such as being top hung with exposed hinges,
having glazing bars for larger expanses of glass, and a low
profile frame height, the Conservation Plateau is the only
rooflight specifically design for historic flat roofs.
The overall impact of the building is a seamless addition
to the college, employing traditional methods and
materials to bring this facility to life.
The timeless allure of lead roofing in historic buildings
represents a link to our architectural heritage, allowing us
to honour the past while embracing the future. By incorporating modern innovations such as the installation of
Conservation Plateau Rooflights atop lead roofs, we not
only safeguard the historical charm of these structures but
also address contemporary needs for energy efficiency and
natural lighting. The delicate process of integrating new
architectural elements with existing historic structures,
as demonstrated in the renowned Royal College of
Surgeons project, showcases the intricate balance between
preservation and progress. By partnering with specialised
providers like The Rooflight Co and employing meticulous
design and planning, architects and conservationists can
ensure that the harmonious fusion of old and new elements
is achieved, ultimately enhancing the aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability of such revered buildings for
generations to come.
Adam Dudley Architects selected the Conservation
Plateau to support their aim of balancing the new structure with the original surrounding architecture, along
with its compatibility with lead roofs. Drawing from the
classic technique of lead flashing with overlapping layers,
the distinctive skirt base-frame design of the Conservation
Plateau allows the rooflight frame to elegantly glide over
the kerb upstand and lead flashing, creating a visually
striking and authentically lapped feature.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh now features
10 Conservation Plateau rooflights measuring 1100mm x
1700mm and featuring the distinctive heritage glazing bar
on each rooflight, perfectly complementing the historic
surroundings.
Contact us for more information:
Tel: 01993 833155 | hello@therooflightco.com
www.therooflightco.com
Internally, each rooflight is fitted above shallow lightwells,
directing daylight down into the expansive main hall,
enhancing the visual comfort throughout the room. The
strategic integration of directional natural light from
above combines with the smaller spotlights within the
space creating a warm environment as sunlight casts
reflections on the treated wooden floors.
All pictures of The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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