Why Are Bespoke Rooflights Better for Period Properties?
If you live in period property, a converted barn, a Listed building, or a Conservation Area, the chances are that your home is unique.
You most likely appreciate the aesthetic appeal and unique and charming architectural design that your home offers. The intricate details, ornate mouldings, and craftsmanship that may be lacking in modern homes.
When you choose to live in a period property, you become the custodian of something more than a house – rather you are buying something of historical and cultural significance. Living in a home that has a rich history can be an attractive proposition, but it can also be a bit of a headache, especially when it comes to renovation or refurbishment.
Nothing is straightforward, when nothing is, well, straight! Finding a wall or a door frame that is square, or rafters that are equally spaced can present a challenge to even the most experienced builder or decorator.
A common theme among our customers is the need for a conservation rooflight that offers flexibility in its design. Rarely does a standard, off the shelf, rooflight match the requirement of a period property. Surely it makes no sense to change the roof structure of a 100 year old building to fit the standard shapes and sizes of modern day building materials?!
Fear not! Bespoke rooflights offer an excellent solution for traditional and period style homes. You can design your roof window to exactly the shape and size that it needs to be. You can design the spacing of the glazing bars to exactly fit the wonky rafters. You can choose materials and colours that compliment the internal and external aesthetic of your home. You can achieve an appearance that blends in with the rest of the building and just looks like it was meant to be there.
This can all be achieved while introducing the functionality and thermal performance of a rooflight that you would expect to see in a modern, contemporary home, such as high specification glazing, electronic actuation, wind and rain sensors and remote control operation.
How the Bespoke Rooflight Process Works
Designing custom rooflights is a creative process that begins with your unique vision. The first step is to decide how you want your rooflights to enhance your space. Whether you’re looking to flood your home with natural light, create a stunning architectural focal point, or seamlessly blend heritage with modern design, your vision sets the stage for the entire journey.
Consider the primary purpose of your custom rooflights. Are they meant to illuminate a specific area, provide ventilation, or serve as a design statement? Understanding your goals helps in making informed choices during the design process
Architectural Harmony
Rooflights should harmonise with your building’s architecture. Your design should respect the existing style while offering a contemporary touch. Careful consideration of the rooflight’s shape, size, and materials is vital for achieving this harmony.
The beauty of custom rooflight design lies in the ability to tailor every detail to your precise specifications. At Stella Rooflight, we understand that personalisation is key to achieving the perfect rooflight.
Choose materials that not only match your aesthetic preferences but also align with the practical needs of your space. The choice of materials influences factors like thermal performance, internal and external appearance, and functionality.
Opening Options
One of the fist considerations will be whether you need an opening or fixed roof window – or perhaps a combination of both.
If you require an opening rooflight then Stella offer a range of options depending on whether you prefer manual or electric operation.
Glazing Options
Custom roof windows offer the ability to select glazing options that suit your energy efficiency requirements. From double-glazed to triple-glazed units, the choice of glazing directly impacts insulation and thermal performance.
Glass will typically make up 70% of your rooflight, and it’s at the heart of controlling the flow of natural light, the level of safety and security, and of heat retention. It can even help protect furniture against fading.
Internal Liners
The internal liner of your rooflight not only provides additional thermal performance, but also completes the appearance of the inside of the rooflight, which arguably is more important than the outside, as its what you will notice the most.
Stella always use hard wood, such as American Ash, however, you can choose from any wood you like to suit the internal design you are trying to create.
Colours
Many people prefer the natural appearance of their chosen hard wood line, however, customers can also choose to have a painted finish to match their internal decoration. As such we can pre-paint your liner to match any desired colour.
When it comes to the outside, we can also finish your rooflight in an RAL colour of choice.
Conclusion
Owning a period property comes with a level of responsibility for its proper maintenance and repair and choosing the correct building materials is a big part of this.
Bespoke rooflight design is an art that marries aesthetics with functionality. Your vision, material choices and the final touches come together to create a product that transforms your space. Whether you’re looking to illuminate a heritage property or infuse a contemporary home with natural light, the process ensures that your bespoke rooflight is a work of art, tailored to your exact requirements.
At Stella Rooflight, we understand the importance of customisation, and we’re dedicated to bringing your unique vision to life. Your custom rooflight is not just a practical addition; it’s an artistic expression of your individual style and aspirations for your living space.
