img(height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=2939831959404383&ev=PageView&noscript=1")
  1. Products
  2. Rooflights

Willingness to do something different elevates extension

Extruded pyramid roofs, an innovative use of timber and south-facing rooflights artfully divide up a light-filled rear addition in Cheshire

In association with
Two extruded pyramid roofs house Neo Rooflights at the extension in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Two extruded pyramid roofs house Neo Rooflights at the extension in Knutsford, Cheshire.

The Wood Room project by Hive Architects illustrates how a well designed single storey house extension can transform a living space into a contemporary and sustainable home.

The lead architect and homeowner Rob McGinnes envisioned a unique extension to his existing house in Knutsford, Cheshire with an emphasis on innovation and sustainable design principles.

The design strategy evolved from an original trapezoidal roof design to pitched roofs atop square-based pyramids, creating distinct zones for kitchen, dining and living areas.

This unusual approach enhanced the functionality of the space and, by strategically orientating rooflights to the south, the design optimised natural light distribution without compromising privacy or thermal performance.

The extruded pyramid roofs offer a bespoke aesthetic and enable strategic placement of The Rooflight Co’s Neo Rooflights. The integration of the rooflights played a crucial role, offering sleek, flush alignment with the timber cladding externally and providing frameless views internally.

Bespoke detailing was required to seamlessly interface the cladding with the rooflights, showcasing a collaborative effort between the architect and The Rooflight Co’s in-house design team to achieve a novel application. 

  • The Neo Rooflights are orientated to the south to maximise solar gain.
    The Neo Rooflights are orientated to the south to maximise solar gain.
  • The Neo Rooflights give frameless views to the sky internally.
    The Neo Rooflights give frameless views to the sky internally.
  • Sitting pretty: scale and proportion are successful in the extension's wider context.
    Sitting pretty: scale and proportion are successful in the extension's wider context.
123

The rooflights also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the extension. With motorised opening mechanisms, the space achieves optimal solar gain in winter while allowing for ventilation in summer, ensuring year-round comfort.

The Neo Rooflight is the original low-profile contemporary skylight, achieving a whole window U-value of 1.4W/m2K in accordance with BS EN 14351, combined with a frameless, minimalistic appearance inside and out. 

By pushing the boundaries of conventional construction techniques and embracing sustainable principles, the Wood Room project has enhanced the functionality and aesthetics of the dwelling, inspiring others to explore the potential of timber and natural light in architecture design.

For more information and technical support, visit  therooflightco.com

Contact:
​01993 833155
enquiries@therooflightco.com

 

Latest

Wednesday 13th November, 13:00-15:00

RIBA Autumn Economics Panel: Preparing for growth in 2025

A sci-fi future where molten lava is harvested to create low carbon building materials is the inspiration for Iceland’s national pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale

Lavaforming would harvest lava to create low carbon building material

The market for new homes is changing, with a shift from private buyers to build-to-rent as well as an ageing population. A restructuring of the sector is on the cards with major implications for architects

A restructuring of the housing sector is on the cards with major implications for architects

Liam Kelly looks at five ways to work with value engineering without losing the sustainable approach to design that the world needs

How to marry value engineering and sustainable design

References ranging from Sri Lankan botany to a New York restaurant interior by Philip Johnson via east London Brutalism inspire this trio of rooms to cook in

From lush Sri Lanka to stylish New York via Brutalist London