Lumen RooflightUnit 8, Tamar Business ParkTamar Way Holsworthy Devon EX22 6HL United Kingdom Tel: 0800 174 093 Fax: 0845 3450215 |
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Lumen rooflight news and press releases.
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| Youlston Park, a 15th century Grade I listed manor house located in North Devon, has chosen Tuscan Foundry Products’ newly launched British made ‘Lumen’ conservation rooflight for its Grade II listed stable conversion to create staff quarters. |
| The conversion of this 18th century stable block overseen by English Heritage uses ten bespoke long and narrow ‘Lumen’ rooflights to allow ample light into three maisonettes. Designed to sit flush, the ‘Lumen’ has fine lines of steel to sympathise with original architecture without being obtrusive and replicates a traditional Victorian design. This low profile rooflight also offers one of the highest specifications of glazing available for conservation roofights and incorporates Pilkington Activ, the world’s first self-cleaning glass |
| Martin Sturley from Jonathan Rhind Architects explains: |
| ‘It was important that the external appearance of the conversion was dealt with sensitively to protect the historic architectural character of the Stable block and its setting. It was established early on in the design process that it was necessary to increase daylight into the living spaces along the outer roof slopes whilst preventing rooflights over-looking the manor house and adjacent grounds. Preliminary discussions with English Heritage and the Local Authority Conservation Officer resulted in an agreed narrow and long rooflight design positioned high up the roof slope to achieve lighting requirements whilst not being conventionally domestic in appearance. |
| Tuscan Foundry Products were able to produce the special size units divided by vertical glazing bars and positioned flush with the roof finish. Minimal gaps between the slate edge and top and back gutters resulted in unobtrusive glazed units which do not interrupt the line of the slate roof pitch’. We are pleased with the appearance of the Lumen rooflights and have recently specified them for other projects. |
| The three maisonettes will provide accommodation for the housekeepers and trained staff running Youlston Park Manor which offers traditional luxury breaks. The £200,000 restoration project was completed in July 06. |
| For more information please visit www.tuscanfoundry.co.uk Email info@tuscanfoundry.co.uk Tel: 01403 860040 |
| Tuscan Foundry Products is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of cast iron, steel and aluminium plumbing heating and drainage products. |
| Getting enough light into a converted barn is always an architectural challenge, especially when it is a conservation area and the windows cannot be obtrusive. That is why property developers Dow Brandeston Ltd opted for rooflights as a solution for their renovation project, Hall Farm Barns. |
| Located in Fornham All Saints, a few miles from the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, the dilapidated barn at Hall Farm has been transformed into what can only be described as a stunning conversion. The once agricultural barn is now the structure for five domestic properties and the village post office. Judith Kent of Dow Brandeston explains: |
| “When we discovered the barn it was in a complete mess and had obviously been standing there totally redundant for quite some time. The only real sign of life was the post office come village shop which was positioned at the end of the barn but even that was suffering from lack of custom and was very rundown. We decided to renovate it into two 2 bedroom houses and relocate the post office to the end of the barn as it was important that the villagers didn’t lose their post office”. |
| However, before work could commence the whole barn had to be stripped back to the frame and the roof which was made of corrugated asbestos had to be removed and disposed of by a licensed specialist. To keep within the conservation guidelines terracotta pan tiles were used for the main barn and reclaimed slate for the former post office. Rooflights were the obvious choice to allow maximum light in but like many other barn conversions the rooflights were not allowed to sit proud of the cladding or intrude on the building’s period character. Dow Brandeston Ltd sourced the rooflights from Tuscan Foundry Products. |
| “Once Judith had explained the project I knew that our steel rooflights would be the best option as they would sit flush with the roofline and can be manufactured with large opening sections” explained Paul Trace, Managing Director of Tuscan Foundry Products Ltd. “The steel rooflights were glazed to a high specification and incorporated a argon gas field unit with a low e coating. The biggest advantage for this particular property was that the steel rooflights could be specifically made to provide slender sections that will not detract from the character of historic buildings” |
| A total of 42 rooflights were used to provide ample light into each of the properties and this was further enhanced by using sun spots. Some of these rooflights have been motorised and hardwired to the alarm system for fire escape. |
| “This is the first time we have used sun spots as well as rooflights and we are really impressed” enthuses Judith, “it really has made a difference and lets in exactly the right amount of light”. |
| Judith has also received very positive feedback from the new residents of Hall Farm Barns. One couple that have moved into the biggest of the plots in January confessed the amount of light coming in to the property was its main selling point: |
| Before this we lived in a 1930’s house with bay windows which was really dark” they explain, “We cannot believe the amount of natural light that can be generated by having rooflights. We am really pleased with the rooflights and have even got used to using the pole to open them which we think adds to the whole character of living in a converted barn.“ |
| For more information please contact Tuscan Foundry Products Ltd, Tuscan Telephone: 01403 860040 Fax: 0845 345 0215 Email: info@tuscanfoundry.co.uk www.tuscanfoundry.co.uk |
| Paul Trace, Managing Director of Tuscan Foundry Products, suppliers of roofing, plumbing and drainage products and one of the largest manufacturers of rooflights, sheds some light on the use of rooflights, the importance of ensuring their architectural suitability within a particular project and also how best to maintain them. |
| One of the most discrete ways to introduce natural light into a building is through a rooflight. They provide an even distribution of light to large low-level structures and can illuminate the dark areas in a room that windows could never reach. This ingenious concept was actually introduced in its most primitive form within agricultural buildings before the Victorians developed cast iron rooflights. Therefore, we have in fact gone full circle as rooflights are again providing a design solution for barn and other agricultural conversions to introduce light but this time around are coupled with high specification glazing to make them incredibly energy efficient. |
| However, agricultural buildings are sometimes situated in a conservation area and are often listed, therefore if a rooflight is going to be introduced it has to meet the conservation specifications of that particular area or type of buildings. Matthew Slocombe of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) advises: |
| “Domestic conversion is not always suitable for old farm buildings. Where it’s the only way to secure an old barn’s future, ensuring the detail of the conversion work is sympathetic will be crucial to the scheme’s success. Sympathetic detailing is also likely to be a condition of consent, if the barn is listed or in a conservation area. New openings should generally be kept to a minimum and should be of a simple form that respects the farm building’s character. If rooflights are needed the local planning authority will normally require a flush-fitting type.” |
| This can present a huge architectural challenge when introducing light into a building which was never intended for domestic purposes as property developers Dow Branderston Ltd discovered with their renovation project. Hall Farm Barns is situated in Fornham All Saints, a conservation area a few miles from the historic town of Bury St Edmunds; the late 18th century dilapidated barn was to be transformed into five domestic properties and a village post office. Judith Kent of Dow Branderston reflects: |
| “When we found the barn it was in a complete mess and had obviously been standing there totally redundant for quite some time. The only real sign of life was the post office cum village shop which was positioned at the end of the barn, but even that was suffering from lack of custom and was very rundown. We decided to renovate it into two 2 bedroom houses and relocate the post office to the end of the barn as it was important that the villagers didn’t lose their post office”. |
| However, before work could commence the whole barn had to be stripped back to the frame and the roof which was made of corrugated asbestos had to be removed and disposed of by a licensed specialist. To keep within the conservation guidelines, terracotta pan tiles were used for the main barn and reclaimed slate for the former post office. Rooflights were the obvious choice to allow maximum light in but like many other barn conversions the rooflights were not allowed to sit proud of the cladding or intrude on the building’s period character. Paul Trace, Managing Director of one of the leading conservation rooflight providers explains: |
| “Hall Farm is typical of most barn conversions that require conservation rooflights instead of a standard rooflight which would be unacceptable within a historic building. The main difference is a conservation rooflight has a low profile which means it will sit flush and not detract from the character of the historic building. It is important that there is a minimum amount of visual framework, especially when the rooflights are linked together.” |
| Paul Trace recommended to Judith that using a conservation steel rooflight would be the best option as they would sit completely flush with the roofline and can be manufactured with large opening sections. These particular steel rooflights were also glazed to a high specification and incorporated an argon gas field unit with a low e coating. The biggest advantage for this particular property was that the steel rooflights could be specifically made to provide slender sections that would be unobtrusive. |
| To provide ample light into each of the properties a total of 42 rooflights were used and enhanced with the use of sun spots. Some of these rooflights also had to be motorised and hardwired to the alarm system for fire escape. |
| Hall Barns is now completed and Judith has received very positive feedback from the new residents. One couple that moved into the biggest of the plots in January confessed that the amount of light coming into the property was its main selling point as they were previously living in a 1930s house with bay windows which didn’t let in much natural light. |
| The introduction of a rooflight does provide many different buildings which have unlit spaces such as an attic with a design and light solution, providing it is the correct size and the material used is sympathetic to the building. |
| Paul Trace concludes: |
| “There are many types of rooflights available but in most instances they are unlikely to be suitable for installation in historic buildings. Today our conservation rooflight is manufactured using modern techniques and benefits from having the highest specifications of glazing available including self-cleaning glass but authentically replicates a traditional Victorian design for installation in period properties. However the low profile design and fine lines of steel are also suitable for contemporary buildings. |
| There are other advantages of using rooflights, for example it reduces your energy costs due to the amount of natural light it lets in which will also enhance the occupant’s wellbeing as there is evidence to prove the brain functions respond better to natural light!” |
| For more information please contact Tuscan Foundry Products Ltd, Tuscan Telephone: 01403 860040 Fax: 0845 345 0215 Email: info@tuscanfoundry.co.uk www.tuscanfoundry.co.uk |
| New British made rooflight expected to ‘steel’ the show |
| Tuscan Foundry Products one of the leading suppliers of conservation style rooflights is exhibiting their new British made rooflight ‘Lumen’ at stand number 1241 at this year’s National Homebuilding and Renovating Show (2nd - 5th March 2006, NEC Birmingham). |
| Manufactured to sit flush, this low profile rooflight meets all the standard requirements of a conservation rooflight suitable for a period property but is unique in its attention to detail. Everything from its fines lines of steel right down to its brass tag demonstrating its authenticity has been carefully crafted. |
| The Lumen rooflight has been especially made to replicate a traditional Victorian design whilst providing one of the highest specifications of glazing available today through incorporating Pilkington Activ – the world’s first self-cleaning glass. Specialist non-reactive silicone has also been sourced to bed and front the argon gas filled units to resemble the traditional putty appearance found on an orginal Victorian rooflight. In addition, every rooflight is produced with an anthracite timber liner, hand-crafted by a British carpenter to provide the finishing touch on the inside. |
| Paul Trace, Managing Director of Tuscan Foundry Products explains the need for detail: |
| “Our engineers have designed and produced every detail beautifully, for example the winder mechanism is made from solid brass. I wanted to produce a rooflight that is British made, indicative of our craftsmanship and deserving of our heritage properties.” |
| Each rooflight will be made according to the specification and will have optional features including remote control opening to allow flexibility. Where an excess of light is necessary, the Lumen rooflight has a seamless design which can be linked together with a minimum amount of visual framework. The Lumen is a unique rooflight of the highest quality and is ideal for installation in period properties that require a traditional skylight. |
| For more information please visit www.tuscanfoundry.co.uk Email info@tuscanfoundry.co.uk Tel: 01403 860040 |
| Press Release…for immediate release Conservation rooflight gives interior design choice Designed to sit flush, the Lumen Rooflight is a low profile rooflight that meets all the standard requirements of a conservation rooflight but offers flexibility in its mechanisms to allow for both contemporary and traditional interiors. Manufactured by Tuscan Foundry Products, one of the leading suppliers of conservation style rooflights, The Lumen Rooflight is energy efficient in its incorporation of Pilkington Activ – the world’s first self-cleaning glass. Especially made to replicate a Victorian design, the British made Lumen Rooflight is suitable for period properties with either contemporary or traditional interiors. Its fine lines of steel and bespoke mechanisms including chrome for a modern interior or solid hand made brass for an authentic look make this rooflight unique it its attention to detail. Mathew Calvert, Architect of …. “I feel the appearance of the Lumen rooflight is excellent and will definitely suggest them again to clients who have older properties or Listed Buildings.” Each rooflight is made according to the specification and has optional features including remote control opening to allow flexibility. Where an excess of light is necessary, the Lumen rooflight has a seamless design which can be linked together with a minimum amount of visual framework. |
| Designed to sit flush, the Lumen Rooflight is a low profile rooflight that meets all the standard requirements of a conservation rooflight but offers flexibility in its mechanisms to allow for both contemporary and traditional interiors. Manufactured by Tuscan Foundry Products, one of the leading suppliers of conservation style rooflights, The Lumen Rooflight is energy efficient in its incorporation of Pilkington Activ – the world’s first self-cleaning glass. |
| Especially made to replicate a Victorian design, the British made Lumen Rooflight is suitable for period properties with either contemporary or traditional interiors. Its fine lines of steel and bespoke mechanisms including chrome for a modern interior or solid hand made brass for an authentic look make this rooflight unique it its attention to detail. |
| Mathew Calvert, Architect of …. “I feel the appearance of the Lumen rooflight is excellent and will definitely suggest them again to clients who have older properties or Listed Buildings.” |
| Each rooflight is made according to the specification and has optional features including remote control opening to allow flexibility. Where an excess of light is necessary, the Lumen rooflight has a seamless design which can be linked together with a minimum amount of visual framework. |
| As property prices rise and the need for space grows, many people are converting redundant spaces into functional rooms. However, alterations to historic buildings must be in keeping with the original architecture. The conservation rooflight is a proven solution for period properties that require more natural light. Historic properties that undergo renovation must comply with building regulations whilst remaining sympathetic to the original architecture. Introducing natural light into an area that perhaps was once deemed as inhabitable can potentially be problematic. However, using a conservation rooflight can eliminate this problem as natural light is introduced discretely but effectively. Although conventional windows allow for a large surface area, rooflights can provide an even distribution of light to a space that perhaps a standard window could never reach. Conservation rooflights are providing a design solution for numerous renovation projects across the country. The rooflight is not a new concept. During the 18th Century, rooflights were commonly used to allow light in agricultural buildings that were frequently dark and dingy areas. Today, rooflights are a popular choice for renovations and extensions. The conservation rooflight meets the conservation requirements for a specific area whilst also incorporating new innovations such as self-cleaning glass. Matthew Slocombe of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) comments: “Domestic conversion is not always suitable for old farm buildings. Where it’s the only way to secure an old barn’s future, ensuring the detail of the conversion work is sympathetic will be crucial to the scheme’s success. Sympathetic detailing is also likely to be a condition of consent, if the barn is listed or in a conservation area. New openings should generally be kept to a minimum and should be of a simple form that respects the farm building’s character. If rooflights are needed the Local Planning Authority will normally require a flush-fitting type.” Conservation rooflights are designed with a low profile therefore doesn’t appear too ostentatious. The rooflight will sit flush and not detract from the character of the building. When multiple rooflights are required to link together, the amount of visual steel framework must be kept to a minimum. For projects were multiple rooflights are specified, conservation rooflights are ideal as their slender sections remain unobtrusive. When renovating agricultural buildings such as barns, it is advised that new openings should be kept to a minimum and as rooflights allow a vast amount of natural light to shine through, this shouldn’t be a problem. Any renovations within a conservation area or alterations that are carried out to period properties, it is advisable to contact the Local Conservation Officer or the Building Control Department to seek advise on what is acceptable before work begins. Tuscan Foundry Products, who produce and supply conservation rooflights, was recently involved in the renovation of an 18th Century stable block that was being converted into three maisonettes. Ten bespoke conservation rooflights were used and the project was overseen by English Heritage to insure that any alterations were in keeping with the original Grade ? listed building. The slender design of the rooflight allowed for them to be positioned on a steep incline in the roof. The bespoke nature of the rooflights also allowed the client to specify a mix of both opening and fixed casements. Although conservation rooflights authentically replicate a traditional Victorian design for installation in period properties, their low profile design and fine lines of steel have infinite design possibilities with modern day architecture. They also benefit from having the highest specifications of glazing available including self-cleaning glass. Conservation rooflights are increasingly providing design solutions for people that want to open up new spaces in period properties or complete renovation projects. The replicated Victorian design takes into account the original architecture of heritage buildings without comprising on specifications such as self-cleaning class and solid brass winding mechanisms. It has been proven that natural light enhances our mood and is beneficial to our health so choosing a conservation rooflight not only provides a design solution but also a healthy one! |
| A masterpiece of style and engineering…The Lumen range of conservation rooflights. Rooflights, in their most primitive form were a popular way to introduce light into agricultural buildings during the 18th century. Today, rooflights are again providing a design solution for barn and other agricultural conversions but this time around have a high specification glazing to make them incredibly energy efficient. If your project involves rooflights and is located in a Conservation Area or is a listed building, it is likely that your Conservation Officer will specify traditional rooflights to match the old style period rooflights often found in older properties. Although modern conservation-style rooflights meet performance criteria, they may not replicate the details of a traditional Victorian rooflight which is imperative for installation in period properties where architectural detail is paramount. The traditional Victorian design of the Lumen rooflight remains sympathetic to the external architecture of the property, yet the choice of bespoke mechanisms for the interior aspect allows for a contemporary finish. The Lumen rooflight has been especially made to replicate a traditional Victorian design, with the additional benefit of a high specification of glazing incorporating Pilkington Activ-the world’s first self cleaning glass. Manufactured entirely in Great Britain, the Lumen range offers a solution for architects, contractors and clients. Why choose the Lumen conservation rooflight
The Lumen conservation rooflight is available from stock for next day delivery or bespoke sizes to suit individual project requirements. For more information, visit www.lumenrooflight.co.uk or telephone 01403 860040 or email info@lumenrooflight.co.uk for a brochure. |
| Paul Trace, Managing Director of Tuscan Foundry Products talks about the benefits of rooflights and the role of the ‘conservation rooflight’ With property prices still sky high and land hard to come by we are now utilising every redundant space in our houses to increase living areas. Also, we have quickly recognised the value in the renovation of redundant churches, farm buildings and service buildings into residential or office quarters. Adapting these historic buildings or having a loft conversion can be a sensitive issue, especially if the building is historic. Any alterations must be in keeping with the original architecture which could present a problem when introducing natural light into a building that was never intended for domestic purposes. However, the rooflight is an ingenious concept that introduces natural light into a building discretely but effectively. They provide an even distribution of light to large low-level structures and can illuminate the dark areas in a room that windows could never reach. It’s uncanny that rooflights now provide an ideal design solution for introducing light into a barn, as this was the Victorians original intention. Rooflights, in their most primitive form were a popular way to introduce light into agricultural buildings during the 18th century. Therefore, we have gone full circle as rooflights are again providing a design solution for barn and other agricultural conversions but this time around have a high specification glazing to make them incredibly energy efficient. Invariably, agricultural buildings are situated in conservation areas and are often listed. Therefore, if a rooflight is going to be introduced it has to meet the conservation specifications of that particular area or type of building. Matthew Slocombe of SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) advises: “Domestic conversion is not always suitable for old farm buildings. Where it’s the only way to secure an old barn’s future, ensuring the detail of the conversion work is sympathetic will be crucial to the scheme’s success. Sympathetic detailing is also likely to be a condition of consent, if the barn is listed or in a conservation area. New openings should generally be kept to a minimum and should be of a simple form that respects the farm building’s character. If rooflights are needed the Local Planning Authority will normally require a flush-fitting type.” In this situation a conservation rooflight would be required as they have been especially designed with a low profile. This means the rooflight will sit flush and not detract from the character of the building. It is also a common requirement that there is a minimum amount of framework visual especially when rooflights are linked together. In these cases steel conservation rooflights are ideal as they are made specifically to provide slender sections which are unobtrusive As pointed out earlier, new openings should be kept to a minimum within a barn conversion. However, given that rooflights let in vast amounts of natural light this shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. Sunspots can further enhance natural light but again are not allowed to be obtrusive to the architecture. It is advisable to contact your Local Conservation Officer or the Building Control Department to find out what is acceptable before going ahead with any conversation as it will need to be overseen if the building is of a sensitive nature. Recently, Tuscan Foundry Products provided ten bespoke rooflights to allow light into a 18th century stable block which was being converted into three marionettes. Both English Heritage and the Local Conservation Officer were involved in overseeing this project. It was important that the external appearance of the conversation was dealt with sensitively to protect the historic architectural character of the Stable block and its setting. Although the rooflights were necessary to let in daylight they couldn’t overlook the manor house and grounds. Bespoke conservation rooflights were chosen as they met the structural constraints of this listed building. Their long and narrow appearance meant they could be positioned high up the roof slope. This option also allowed the client to specify a mix of both opening and fixed casements. Although conservation rooflights authentically replicate a traditional Victorian design for installation in period properties, their low profile design and fine lines of steel have infinite design possibilities with modern day architecture. They also benefit from having the highest specifications of glazing available including self-cleaning glass. Provided rooflights are the right size and usea material sympathetic to the building architecture they can only increase in popularity. Not only do they provide a solution to lighting up dark areas, rooflights are energy efficient due to the amount of natural light they let in which in turn will reduce energy costs. Last but not least they may even be responsible for generations of geniuses as there is evidence to prove that brain functions respond better to natural light! |
| The Lumen range of steel conservation rooflights has recently undergone testing at the British Research Establishment to achieve the weather performance test BS6375: Part 1: 2004. The rooflight performed exceptionally well under extreme weather conditions and achieved the following results: Air Permeability +/- Class 4 up to 600 Pa Watertightness 600 Pa Class 9A (no leakage) Wind Resistance Class E2500 P1 Overall Class CE2500 P1 2500 Pa P2 1250 Pa P3 3750 Pa So what does all this mean? The rooflight is mounted into a test rig and the testing is carried out in three parts in the sequence shown above. The air permeability test involves the application of a series of test air pressure differentials across the rooflight with the measurement of air passing through the casement measured at each pressure step. This test involves both positive and negative airflow. The maximum positive and negative pressure differential was 600 Pascals (approx 70mph) in pressure steps of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 450 and 600 Pascals. The results are measured into 4 categories; class 4 is applicable to the most airtight specimens while class 1 describes those with most air leakage. The watertightness test is carried out by applying specified amounts of water spray (6 litres per minute) to the outside face of the rooflight while steadily increasing the air pressure. The test pressure, time and position of any water penetration are then recorded. The maximum air pressure differential used was 600 Pascals (approx 70mph). Initially the water is applied without the air pressure for 15 minutes. Then the air pressure is increased at increments of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 450 and 600 Pascals. To achieve the required standard the rooflight must remain watertight for 5 minutes up to and at each test pressure. So the Lumen rooflight endured water application at the rate of 6 litres per minute in pressures up to 70mph for 55 minutes without a single drop of water passing through the opening casement. This means that the rooflight not only met the requirements but exceeded them. The wind resistance test involves a series of both positive and negative air pressures. Measurements and inspections are made to assess relative frontal deflection and resistance to damage from wind loads. The first part of the test took the air pressure to 2500 Pascals (approx 150mph). The second part of the test involved 50 cycles of pulsating pressure to assess the performance under repeated wind loads. The particular part of the test was carried out at 1250 Pascals (approx 100mph). The air permeability tests are then repeated to measure whether the wind resistance test has had any effect on the structure of the rooflight. Once again the test confirmed the Class 4 rating meaning that the pressures had little or no effect on the rooflight. The final part of the wind resistance test is designed to assess the safety of the test specimen under extreme conditions. The air pressure was increased to 3750 Pascal (in excess of 200mph and 78lb/ft2). During the wind resistance test, the rooflight is measured for deflection, which is how much movement occurs in the glass and the framework. We were delighted that even during such an extreme test our deflection rate was less than 1mm and that no damage or functional defects were recorded. |