Issue 46 April 25 web - Flipbook - Page 61
Glazing bars, when required, should ideally be structural,
not simply aesthetic add-ons, and follow the same principles. A stuck-on bar may give the illusion of division but
lacks the depth and articulation of traditional glazing.
serve. While cost may be the driving factor, it’s worth
asking: is it appropriate to outsource our built heritage to
anonymous factories in distant countries, disconnected
from the very history we’re trying to protect?
Going Bespoke When Necessary
One of the challenges architects often face in conservation projects is the lack of standardisation in existing roof
openings. Historic buildings rarely conform to modern
module sizes, which can make off-the-shelf rooflights a
poor fit, either visually or physically.
British manufacturing still plays a vital role in the
conservation sector, offering not only quality craftsmanship and shorter supply chains, but a deeper understanding of British architectural heritage. Supporting UK-based
fabrication helps maintain skills, ensure accountability,
and uphold standards - all of which are crucial when
working on buildings of historic or national importance.
This is where a bespoke approach becomes not just
desirable, but essential. Made-to-measure rooflights allow
architects to match existing openings, align glazing bars
with fenestration, or replicate original details more accurately. While bespoke manufacture may come with a
higher upfront cost, it often pays dividends in planning
success, aesthetic coherence, and long-term performance.
For architects and specifiers, this goes beyond patriotism.
It’s about stewardship. Choosing a UK-made conservation
rooflight is a vote for quality, context, and continuity values that lie at the heart of responsible conservation
practice.
Beyond Aesthetics, Towards Integrity
For architects working on heritage and conservation projects, specifying a rooflight is not just a question of what
looks right, it’s about what is right. True conservation
rooflights respect the past not only in form, but in substance. They combine traditional aesthetics with modern
performance, without resorting to superficial mimicry.
It also ensures that critical technical details - such as
insulation values, ventilation options, or solar control
glazing - are specified to meet modern requirements
without compromise.
British Craftsmanship and Cultural Continuity
Another critical, but often overlooked, factor in
conservation specification is the origin of manufacture.
In an era of global supply chains, many so-called conservation rooflights are produced overseas, far from the
cultural context and architectural traditions they aim to
As planning departments become more rigorous, and as
clients expect more from their investments in heritage,
the pressure is on architects to make informed, intelligent
choices. Choosing the right rooflight is a small but vital
Above, Conservation in Greencoat PLX
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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