Heritage homes with conservation Rooflights by Stella Rooflight
Natural light is incredibly important when it comes to our homes and it ranks number one on my wish list. Our flat is on the dark side and we don’t get much natural light. If we don’t move house the plan is to do a loft conversion and move the living room up there. We’ll add large rooflights and create a living space flooded with natural light. That’s the dream anyway. Whilst our flat was built in the 70’s, we have a similar problem to many heritage homes that suffer with a lack of natural light.
What are Heritage Homes?
Heritage homes are residential properties that have been designated by the government as having significant historical or architectural interest. They are considered valuable in terms of history, charm, aesthetics, or culture. A property may also be given heritage status based on age (usually over 50 years old), method of construction, the architect or builder, or who the previous owner was.
What Makes Heritage Homes Unique?
Conservation Rooflights by Stella Rooflight
As most heritage homes are older homes, they often have characteristics that make them unique. The walls for example are normally thicker than those in new builds, the materials used may be different and more traditional and, more often than not, the windows are smaller to provide better insulation and create more privacy.
Windows are often a large part of the character and architectural significance of heritage homes. Historic windows were often much smaller because glass was expensive, so they were only added to rooms that were thought to need them. Small panes of glass were all that could be made with the glass manufacturing techniques of the time and were hand-made by craftsmen. Many historic windows are unique in design and therefore of special interest. For this reason, repair is often preferable to replacement in order to retain original character of the historic building. Complete replacement is normally only an option if the original windows are beyond repair. When this is the case they must be replaced with accurate copies of the same shape and size.
Understanding Planning Laws and Building Regulations
In most cases, buildings that are listed or situated in conservation areas do not have the same permitted development rights as other properties. Making significant changes to the appearance of heritage homes, such as adding larger windows, is not possible without first getting planning permission from the local authorities. For properties in conservation areas or for historic or listed buildings, planning permission should be sought for even the smallest changes to windows. Building regulations in conservation areas will also limit any structural changes to protect the historical or cultural significance of a property.
These restrictions can severely limit the renovations of heritage homes that seek to make them more aligned with modern-day desires. Finding a balance between modern functionality and the look of a heritage home is challenging. Without being able to increase the size of the windows in the property, it makes it more difficult to bring in natural light. For those who own heritage homes, adding daylight can seem complicated but it doesn’t have to be.
Adding Natural Light to Heritage Homes
Conservation Rooflights by Stella Rooflight
Whilst it may not be possible to increase the size of windows in a heritage property, another option is to add rooflights. Conservation Rooflights are often specified for listed and historic buildings because they can be integrated into the existing structure seamlessly without drastically changing the character of the building. Planning permission will likely still be required for rooflights but it is much more likely to be granted.
Rooflights, or skylights as they are sometimes called, are a very effective way of bringing natural light into your home and will allow you to brighten the darker areas of your home where light from windows may not reach.
Light from rooflights is often brighter than the light that enters through windows and is much less likely to be obstructed by other structures or trees, bushes and fences.
Adding Light Without Compromising on Privacy
Conservation Rooflights by Stella Rooflight
One of the benefits of adding rooflights to heritage homes is the fact that you can maximise natural light without compromising on privacy. Unlike adding larger windows which opens up the facade of your home allowing not only extra light to enter your home but also expanding the view into your home from outside, rooflights are positioned in such a way that your privacy will not be compromised.
Whether rooflights are installed on a pitched roof or a flat roof, they will allow you to harness more natural light for your home in a way that does not allow neighbours or nearby properties to gain views inside and impede on your privacy.
Rooflights are particularly good for rooms where additional privacy is important such as in bathrooms or bedrooms. These are rooms that you definitely don’t want to be overlooked as you’ll likely be getting dressed and undressed in these rooms and want to stay safe from prying eyes.
Rooflights also work particularly well in internal corridors where there are no windows or above stairwells where they can flood the darkest parts of the home with natural light.
Other Benefits of Adding Rooflights
Conservation Rooflights by Stella Rooflight
Other benefits of adding rooflights to heritage homes include increased ventilation. Installing rooflights that open allow you to bring more fresh air into your home and manage air quality more effectively. Rooflights can also help with energy efficiency particularly if you opt for solar control glazing.
Rooflights are a practical choice for heritage homes. They allow you to bring more natural light into your home without compromising on privacy, whilst retaining the character of your home and reflecting the aesthetic of the building and the surrounding area.