Last week we discussed artificial lighting design, this week we dive into the subject of Natural light.
Whether it be a dark corridor, a loft or garage conversion or an extension, introducing opening into the roof to get natural light is becoming as common as having doors & windows to a house!
Here are some options and related aspects to consider-
1) Roof type
- Pitched -
Options for opening the window are Top hung or Central pivot
- Flat roof-
Options for opening are hinged or sliding
Both pitched and flat roof can have fixed glass windows with a single glass size as big as 2.5m to 3m. Anything bigger could have challenges with transportation and handling, which although feasible but usually gets reflected in the costs.
2) Operation
- Fixed-
Fixed windows can work well in case of large openings
- Openable –
Various types exist-
a) Manual
b) Electric with remote
c) Electric with remote & sensors for – rain, CO2, humidity
d) Glass - thermal performance, self-cleaning (options of getting rid of dirt and water droplets), Solar reflectiveness or low G glass to let less solar heat in
These options are applicable to fixed windows too
e) Security elements
3) Finish, Material & Colour
- Typically colour options are available to to match existing window colours
- Available in multiple finishes-
a) Aluminium
b) Composite where they can have Timber from inside and Aluminium from outside, allowing a dual colour configuration if required, for example, if you like to have anthracite grey from outside and oak from inside you could do so
c) PVC-u can be budget friendly but have thicker profiles
d) Frameless options allow more clear opening size with slim profiles on the edge
A bit more on the two types-
Pitched Rooflights
-Pitched rooflights are common, mostly seen in Loft conversions or single storey rear extensions. Velux being the most known brand, these are also referred as Velux windows
- Usually the pitch is between 15- 70 degrees
- Top Hung and Central Pivot are opening options
- Fitted in segmental pattern for entire side extensions, creating glass roofs in becoming common and can give a stunning internal space
- In many cases the windows or glass door heads can be combined with the rooflight to form one big glazed feature ( see image below)
Flat Rooflights
- The options in this vary greatly in size and shape, does depend on the budget
- The glass design could be flat or dome/curved shape, like a lantern, or to be able to walk-on, or sliding
- Flat fixed rooflights in the darker end of an extension, full width can be designed like glass roofs flooding the internal space with natural light. In this case, the flashing details are important to be designed correctly and then installed by an experienced builder to avoid any leakages and water related issues later.
- Walk on roofs can also be an option for terraces and balconies or where basements can be provided light from driveways etc.
- Lantern rooflights are installed on flat roofs but give look of a pitched/pyramidal rooflight. Can also be configured to be openable.
Costs-
Pitched roof
-Velux 1.1mx 1.6m-
Manual - £605.00
Electric -£920.00
Flat roof
-Velux 1mx 1.5m-
Fixed glass window- £1111.00
Vented option- £1581.00
A fixed glass rooflight about 2mx 1m from a local supplier providing the glass with flashing apron could cost as low as £1.6k+ .
A lantern about 2.5m x2m could cost around £3k+
Whereas a fixed glass flat roof window merging into a glass window could be around starting around £10k+, depending on the size
All costs are excl. VAT and are indicative for guidance.
Whichever type you are considering for your home, talk to an expert who can help you design your space. Shop around to get a good price. Always check they meet Building Regulation requirements. Check for other aspects like what other guarantees and compliance certificates the company is offering (example, FENSA, British Standards, testing etc.).
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