Daylight from Above Awards winner: Lower Paradise Mill, Macclesfield

Twenty-six of VELUX’s new Heritage conservation roof windows have been installed at Lower Paradise Mill, a working museum created from a Grade II-listed silk mill in Macclesfield. Built in 1862, this was one of many such mills in the town, which became the UK centre of silk weaving. It operated until 1981, and now forms part of Macclesfield’s Silk Museum. 

The roof renovations – which have won the Heritage Conservation category of the 2025 Daylight from Above Awards, organised by RIBAJ in partnership with VELUX – help safeguard the future of the building, and provide improved natural light to better appreciate the workings of the Jacquard looms, and the quality and colours of the fabrics.

Judges appreciated how the extensive window replacement has enabled continuity of use at the Victorian mill, which had suffered from leaks and risk of storm damage. This had led to protective sheeting being erected, its yellowing hue compromising the quality of light.  

All rooflights were replaced, along with repairs to the cast iron gutter between the double-pitches of the roof. This was relined in aluminium. The historic Welsh slates, which were laid in diminishing courses, were removed, documented and re-used with the addition of a breathable membrane.  

Conserving a historic building's character

According to Cymes Conservation, VELUX’s Heritage conservation roof windows delivered a sensitive external metal appearance. They could also be fitted flush with the slates due to their very slim construction height. This enabled the new windows to conserve the character of the historic building, by resembling the elegant profile of the originals, but with added durability. Internally, the finish is timber. 

The product also had familiar flashing details and simple structural carpentry that could float over the historic purlins. The VELUX windows were, unlike bespoke replacements, readily available, and took one hour each to install.

‘The VELUX Heritage conservation roof window fits historic buildings perfectly; it is brilliant, well-designed and of great quality,’ said Simon Revill, conservation architect at Cymes Conservation.

During the repairs, the window arrangement was rationalised with siting moved away from the valley gutter for more protection against bad weather. Consistent placement within the diminishing courses also made slating work easier. 

‘The original window locations remain visible through thoughtful use of contrasting roof finishes, despite the replacement of the rooflights with high-performing modern equivalents,’ noted judge Deniz Beck.

See all winners and commended entries in the 2025 Daylight from Above Awards