Fixed frameless rooflights from Glazing Vision maximise daylighting in a reworked rear extension

Flushglaze rooflights from Glazing Vision have been specified by Brian O’Tuama Architects for a skilfully designed domestic renovation project on Burma Road in north London. Located in a conservation area, the existing dwelling featured a spatially ineffective closet wing or ‘outrigger’ adjoining a rear conservatory. The brief was to transform the rear of the property into for a bright, light-filled, open-plan kitchen and dining space that would maximise connectivity to the existing reception room and garden.

A pair of French doors was remodelled to provide access from the reception room to new family space. The height of the opening proved a challenge for the design of the low, three-degree angle, lean-to glazed roof. Practicality was also an issue, as with no rear access all building products and materials had to be of an appropriate size and weight to carry through the house. “It was a no-brainer to glaze over the side return,” comments practice principal Brian O’Tuama. “The orientation of the house and the deeply indented nature of the return meant solar gain was not an issue.”

Designing the glazing
A ‘pop-up’ glazed lantern was required for the section of glazing nearest to the house, in order to enclose the new upper opening in the wall without compromising daylighting in the reception room. The architect chose Glazing Vision’s fixed eaves Flushglaze rooflight, which was supplied in two 1185x 800mm sections. Measuring 185mm high, the unit features a glass-to-glass detail at the join, ensuring the frame is completely hidden when viewed from inside the house.

A standard, BBA-certified, Flushglaze modular fixed rooflight was chosen for the remainder of the glazed roof. The 4.5 metre wide unit is formed from three sections with back-to-back aluminium angles supporting the glass at the section joints. The high performance, double-glazed units comprise two 6mm panes separated by a 16mm argon-filled cavity, with warm edge spacers to reduce thermal bridging. The inner pane has a low emissivity (low-e) coating to minimise solar gain in the summer and reduce radiant heat transmission during the winter. Supplied as standard, all the panes are toughened (up to five-times stronger than ordinary float glass), providing improved resistance to blunt impact. They are also heat soak tested to virtually eliminate the possibility of spontaneous fracture.

As well as meeting performance requirements, the rooflights were also chosen to visually complement both the conservation area context and the contemporary nature of the renovation. A neutral slate grey colour minimises the glass roof’s impact when viewed from neighbouring properties.

As well as meeting performance requirements, the rooflights were also chosen to visually complement both the conservation area context and the contemporary nature of the renovation. A neutral slate grey colour minimises the glass roof’s impact when viewed from neighbouring properties.

Working with Glazing Vision
The architect worked closely with Glazing Vision to fine tune the design of the Flushglaze Eaves rooflight, ensuring that it blends into the extension and incorporates the desired junction and flashing details. “The general response and level of information from Glazing Vision was superior,” says O’Tuama. The options were presented to the client and an agreement reached that Glazing Vision would be a nominated supplier. This allowed them to play an important role in realising the client’s vision for their dream home.

For more information on Glazing Vision’s range of rooflights to suit a variety of applications, request a CPD.