The Rooflight Company looks back on its manufacturing journey from the original Conservation Rooflight designed by company founder and architect Peter King

In the late 1980s architect Peter King was practicing in London’s Hampstead Garden Suburb. He found that many clients wanted to extend into their attics, but providing adequate light and ventilation was problematic as the local Trust’s strict planning guidelines prevented the use of modern roof windows and dormers. The only option was an outdated cast iron, single-glazed rooflight of Victorian design, which was prone to rust and leaks.

Spotting a gap in the marketing, King set about designing a copy of the Victorian cast iron model, which would meet modern standards by using steel, double-glazing, draught stripping and a thermal lining. It has a top-hinged opening that provides an authentic appearance while also maximising the space below. He developed a range using sizes from original Victorian patterns and called it the Conservation Rooflight. Conservation officers and architects loved it – due to its low profile, glazing bar and slim sections – and have continued to specify it for more than 25 years. There are now 16 standard sizes and a bespoke design service, including made-to-measure options.

The Conservation Plateau rooflight followed, and is the only Heritage flat rooflight currently available due to its authentic skirt design, low-profile frame and silicone fronting. It is truly in keeping with heritage and period buildings. A choice of 18 standard sizes are available, along with a made-to-measure option that eschews the need to cut existing rafters, thereby preserving the integrity of the building.

The rooflights can be opened manually or by a motor to provide ventilation. Flooding natural light through the darkest places within older houses and other buildings can re-define spaces for modern living. With three different linking options available, specifiers can incorporate an unlimited run of Conservation Rooflights into their designs.

One of the main external parts of any heritage or period building is the roof. The ability to retain the original design aesthetic and stay true to the past is key, which is exactly what the Conservation range of rooflights achieves with the benefit of today’s technology.

Key product features include:
• Meets modern building standards, including Conservation, English Heritage and the National Trust
• Retains the character of your home with the most authentic design
• Clean internal finish due to linings meeting the glass
• Benefits from the latest technological advances in thermal performance
• Standard sizes, bespoke design and a made-to-measure service available

Since its inception, the company has gone from strength to strength and now provides a full range of stylish flat and pitched rooflights, from its ultra-modern neo Advance to totally bespoke designs. The dedicated design team provides collaboration, support and technical expertise to ensure your dream project is realised. All the company’s rooflights are designed and built in Oxfordshire by a highly skilled team. This  ensures a high-quality products and service.

In March 2019, The Rooflight Company became an employee owned company, securing the future of the business and continual development of its products. A year on, the fallout from COVID-19 has forced changes to the business as usual approach.  The Rooflight Company’s co-owners have embraced and implemented a remote/electronic way of communicating with their customers and are committed to continuing a first-class service.

To support architects, Conservation and Planning Officers during these times, a free online CPD entitled ‘Conservation Rooflight – Protecting our Nation’s Heritage ‘ is available. It provides advice on how rooflights can be applied in different situations to solve design and technical challenges, as well as identifying which rooflight is appropriate for your project. The Rooflight Company continues to innovate through its products and working practices for the present day challenges we all face.

Contact Details
Please visit The Rooflight Company for more details on its products or to book a CPD.