‘Let in as much light as possible’: that was the brief to bespoke window and door company, Benchmark Windows when tasked with supplying products for a new build extension.
The property, based in the coastal village of East Preston, backs onto the beach with far-reaching views across the English Channel. The homeowners decided to demolish an ageing extension and rebuild to make the most of this vista and maximise natural light within.
“The client was sent our way by their builder, who is a long-standing Benchmark Windows’ customer,” comments Josh Brown from Benchmark Windows Ltd. “The requirement was to get as much light as possible into the new extension and for daylight to reach deeper into the plan. They also wanted the best products we can offer.”
Trusted rooflight supplier
The product specification was heavily influenced by the coastal location. Self-cleaning glass was essential for the rooflight, for example. For this, Benchmark Windows turned to trusted supplier, Howells Patent Glazing.
“We have worked with Howells for 12 years now. They are reliable, and our fitters like installing their products, plus our customers love them too. We selected the company’s glass rafter rooflight, Ultraline, for this project because the client wanted an uninterrupted view. The Ultraline is perfect for this because its glass rafters give the illusion of one large pane of glass across the 6.6m x 1.6m opening.”
Rooflight specification
Howells designed and manufactured its Ultraline aluminium rooflight with six panes of 28mm double-glazed units and five 175mm glass rafter dividers, at a pitch of four degrees.
The aluminium frame is powder coated in Anthracite Grey (RAL 7016 matt) on the outside and Satin White inside. The coating provides added protection against the coastal conditions.
For ease and practicality, the client requested self-cleaning glass. To meet this requirement and to combat the effects of solar gain, Howells used heat-soaked toughened glass with an easy-clean coating and solar control properties.
Safe and easy installation
The rooflight was delivered to site unglazed due to the weight of the glass: each pane weighs 35kg. “We’ve installed plenty of rooflights in the past,” continues, Josh, “and we know the best way to install them safely. We also know that there is no issue if ever we need Howells’ support during an installation; they are happy to help.”
If an Ultraline rooflight measures less than five metres by two metres, the unglazed rooflight can be delivered preassembled, direct to site in an unbranded vehicle. If the rooflight exceeds these dimensions, such as the one installed in East Preston, then it can be delivered in multiple parts. Early morning drop-offs mean the Ultraline rooflight can be installed in a day.
Josh explains how the client has reacted to the completed installation: “They love it and are over the moon with the entire project. Now that the sun is finally out, they can really enjoy the space and appreciate the amount of natural light that pours into their home, and the connection with the garden and beach beyond.”
