Case study

Experimentation meets tradition in this striking London extension

Overview

Glazing Vision’s fixed and modular Flushglaze skylights were key in transforming this family home’s extension, flooding the space with natural light, enhancing its connection to the garden, and balancing modern aesthetics with optimal thermal performance.

Details

Architect

Architecture WK

Products used

Ridgeglaze Fixed Skylight

Flushglaze Fixed Multipart Skylight

The Brief

Essential in bringing daylight into this resplendent family home were Glazing Vision’s and modular Flushglaze fixed rooflight. Incorporating these stylish rooflights, have created a feature with fixed skylight in the newly built extension, introducing plenty of natural daylight and helping to create a much brighter open space.

The key goals of this project were to create a bright new kitchen and living space while also allowing the client to enjoy their delightful garden at the rear of the property. Natural light was maximized by specifying skylights that run along the length of the extension apex, dramatically illuminating the interior and accentuating the materials used. Exposed wooden beams and rafters give the space a bold sense of character as the oak frame creates a juxtaposition to the more modern, frameless aesthetic of the skylights above. The garden outside is suitably framed by a large vertical pane, with the skylights furthering the connection to the outdoors by bringing the sky into view.

The abundance of natural light creates an inviting space for entertaining, cooking and reading for what is, first and foremost, a family home. “We and our clients are delighted with this light-filled space, which is exciting and experimental while being in keeping with the original house.”

The Solution

By scaling up the amount of glass, Architecture WK was able to create a connection to the outdoors whilst still providing protection from the elements. To achieve this, the Ridgeglaze skylight was double glazed with a 31.5mm silicone sealed unit comprising of a 6mm heatsoak tested toughened low-emissivity outer pane, 16mm of argon, a black warm edge silicone sealed spacer, and a 9.5mm heat-strengthened PVB Laminated inner pane.

Thicker glass was required for the multi-part Flushglaze as its flat pitch would require it to bare a heavier snow load. The optimal choice for this was a 37.5mm silicone sealed unit comprising of a 6mm heatsoak tested toughened soft coat low-emissivity outer pane, 20mm of argon, a black warm edge silicone sealed spacer, and an 11.5mm heat-strengthened PVB laminated inner pane.

This glass specification is optimal for maintaining warmth within the home. The low-emissivity coating reflects heat back into the property, while the heat-strengthened glass is designed to withstand high levels of thermal stress. As such occupants have the best of both worlds by having a connection to the outdoors without having to endure harsh winter temperatures. Through an understanding of these technical specifications, Glazing Vision and Architecture WK were able to strike the right balance between visual effect and optimal thermal performance.

The Details

“We have specified Glazing Vision’s high-quality products many times in the past,” remarks Lucy Abercrombie of Architecture WK. This project was not without its logistical issues however, as the structure had to be built before measurements could be taken for the skylights. So site measurements and subsequent installation were co-ordinated carefully by Glazing Vision and the architects.

With other projects on the horizon, Glazing Vision looks forward to collaborating with Architecture WK in the future and are extremely proud to have been a part of this project.

If you would like to discuss how to introduce critical daylight into your extension or new build, contact us here