Issue 35 autumn 2022 - Flipbook - Page 10
“McDaniel Woolf are proud to continue their close
collaboration with the Rooflight Company, two decades
of successful partnership. At Butlers and Colonial Wharf,
our requirement was for oversized replacement rooflights
for a Grade II Listed nineteenth century C19 industrial
building in London’s Docklands. This could only be undertaken by a manufacturer with the ability to work
closely with ourselves and our mutual client and advise
on the technical opportunities and limitations a bespoke
project required. The final installation has respected the
significance of the historic site, whilst providing a solution
of the highest quality.”
To meet the demands of renters in the 21st Century, it required a restructure. One that prioritised light, and space,
without compromising on the apartment’s thermal efficiency by creating draughty spaces heritage buildings are
closely associated with. McDaniel Woolf Architects were
tasked with re-ordering the layout of the 80s apartments
in the Grade II listed Victorian shell. But it wasn’t an easy
task as the architect needed to balance the demands of
modern performance with the limitations that come with
working on a historic building.
Rooflights were chosen for apartments on the top floor as
a way of easily introducing more light, without disrupting
the building’s silhouette that alternatives such as a dormer
window would.
– Richard Woolf, Architect
Whilst heritage properties are more often associated with
being cold, draughty spaces than warm and cosy living,
that doesn’t have to be the case. Manufacturers taking a
considered approach to the design of their products,
including the Rooflight Company, will have modern
specification products that fit the aesthetics of these
much-loved period buildings to bring them up to modern
standards whilst retaining their original charm. We love
a challenge, so even when our off-the-shelf products don’t
quite fit the bill, our bespoke team is on hand to help.
A bespoke version of the Rooflight Company’s
Conservation Rooflight, met the requirements of the
project perfectly. It brought in the all-important light,
whilst prioritising thermal performance. The classic
Victorian look matched the aesthetics of the heritage
building, appeasing the Conservation Officer who
approved the work, whilst the added optional modern
features of self-cleaning glass and automatic openings
pleased residents.
If you have a project challenge you’d like to discuss, or
want more information, please visit
https://www.therooflightcompany.co.uk/.
Below, Colonial Wharf
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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