Rooflights ● Glazed Canopies ● Architectural Glazing
Tel: 01253 827633
An Architectural Gem From
Our Victorian Heritage
The Palm House
at Kew Gardens
Although indisputably a period of blatant social inequality, for those with wealth and position the Victorian Era was one of good
living, solid prosperity and great advancement.
This was the time when The City of London was the world's financial powerhouse and when, not for nothing, Great Britain was
known as the 'workshop of the world'
It was also a defining time for the architectural profession. With the introduction of new building materials and construction
methods such as plate glass and iron framed buildings, architects were free to experiment with a host of different styles.
Just three years prior to the start of the Victorian Era in 1834, The Royal Institute of British Architects was created for
"the general advancement of Architecture and for promoting and facilitating the acquirement of the knowledge of the various arts and sciences connected therewith"
Prior to all this back in 1759 and with the somewhat ambitious aim of “creating a garden containing all the plants of the earth”,
what was later to become the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew were first established. Then in the 1840s and originally covered
in green glass, the Palm House was designed and constructed.This was a fine example of how the Victorians, using their skills,
knowledge and ingenuity were able to create some truly amazing structures that really showed off the beauty of glass and the
use of natural iight to their full potential.
In due course and many years later, having recognised the importance of Kew’s “unique history, diverse historic
landscape, rich architectural legacy, botanic collections and position as one of the world's leading botanic
gardens for scientific research and education.”, in 2003 UNESCO designated Kew Gardens as a World Heritage Site.
Victoriana... Echoes of the past with up to the minute technology
Whilst a good many of the contemporary styled rooflights that are available
today are fabricated with non-rusting aluminium or uPVC, our own included,
there are certain types of projects being designed and built (particular
conservation projects) which really need something totally different. Something
which harks back to an earlier age altogether, both in terms of design and the materials used.
Specifically and carefully designed to be totally installed within a slim roof void
(so that they do not protrude above the finished roofline) and usually protected by
a particularly weather resistant black polyester powder coating, our Victoriana
rooflights offer both the look of times gone by and the durability needed to
withstand the varied climate of the United Kingdom.
With their period styled mullions, all Victoriana heritage styled roof windows are
perfectly suited to being installed in a barn conversion or as part of the
refurbishment of a listed building; although for some more modern properties,
this flush fitting range of rooflights can also be the means of solving some
difficult planning issues whilst also adding a bit of additional feature and character.
In order to make installation just that little bit easier, all our Victoriana
roof windows are custom made to suit your and the project’s
requirements… although of course we do offer a full installation service.
If required, our Victoriana roof windows can provide ventilation which can
either be opened or closed by means of a traditional brass winding gear or if
preferred, effortlessly controlled at the touch of a switch.
In a nod to modern day demands, especially from coastal areas, all
Victoriana conservation rooflights are designed and fabricated to the very
highest standards, especially as they now feature non-rusting stainless steel
frames, a choice of double or triple glazed glass that is actually
self-cleaning, (such a boon to maintenance and cleaning times), or which
could also provide better sound control or additional privacy.
Ventilated Victoriana conservation styled
steel roof windows complete with
traditional brass winders.
This purpose-designed flat topped
steel and glass Victoriana pyramid
was installed on the flat roof of a
London period residence.
All Victoriana conservation styled roof windows
are custom made and of the highest quality.
The Victoriana range of Stainless Steel framed roof windows beautifully combine traditional design with the best of modern technology.
The Victoriana is the perfect roof window for
barn conversions and listed or period properties,
as well as some contemporary designed buildings.
In fact, Victoriana rooflights can offer everything
you would expect of a high quality, heritage
styled roof window that offers superb thermal
performance with a total rooflight U value
of just 1.1 W/m²K.
To complete the overall appeal of Victoriana
rooflights, they are all supplied with
their own solid timber inner liners and although these are usually supplied in light oak, other
timbers can be supplied to match a particular
interior décor theme.
Victoriana... steel framed rooflights specifically for flat roofs
A handcrafted, custom designed
circular Victoriana steel and glass dome
waiting to be double glazed.
Completing and decidedly enhancing our main Victoriana range of conservation rooflights, we also can supply and install a rather special range of steel framed rooflights, all individually designed and fabricated to be installed onto flat roofs.
Only restricted in size by its mechanical properties and manufacturing
limitations, the Victoriana range includes truly circular glass domes
(something that is not offered by many rooflight companies, as it requires the
glass to bent in both directions), as well as one off individually designed
and generally non-ventilated glazed constructions.
Whilst black is often the preferred choice, the steelwork for these rooflights can
be finished in a wide spectrum of polyester powder paint colours, whilst
depending on the shape required, different types of specialist glass can also be
specified to match the client’s and the project’s requirements.