Vario by VELUX - Exceptional Essex Extension - Transformed with Rooflights

We visited David and his family in Essex, UK, who recently completed a rear kitchen and dining extension that began in June 2021 and was completed in October.   

One of their main goals was to include natural light and ventilation in the design by using opening rooflights.  

Tell us more about your home and why you decided to renovate. 

The family fell in love with the house because at the time they thought it had all of the space they needed.  

'It was really obvious when we first moved into the house that we didn't have a joint space where all of us could be together, cooking and eating, playing or watching TV. That's when we said; 'okay, we need to do this project.' 

Before the family completed the renovation, a lot of their time was spent in individual rooms. Therefore, they made a decision to create a joined-together family space, they felt essential for creating memories and bonding with one another.  

'We wanted to make sure we had a rooflight over the kitchen to create light in that space and make sure we had enough light to the existing part of the house.'  

Adding a rooflight to your kitchen can be a great way to bring in more natural light and improve the overall ambiance of your home. Positioning and size of the rooflight, are important for including light in harder-to-reach areas, such as an existing part of your home. Make sure to take the necessary precautions and consider all the factors involved in such a project. Check out our top tips on what to consider when renovating or extending.  

How important was the option of having bespoke rooflight design for you? 

'The importance of bespoke design was really around size, and what size we needed for the space. When we first started looking around for skylights, they were often a lot smaller than we needed. What we found with Vario by VELUX is essentially, they took that problem away.' 

We had options, we could have chosen different colours, and different styles of glass, but we were able to choose something that matched the rest of the living space, as well as being functional.' 

'The reason we went for two rectangular rooflights was really to fit in with the design of the rest of the extension. What I like about the VELUX Windows is that internally we really do just see that flat glass at the top and it finishes it off really nicely.' 

It's great that you had the option to choose different colours and styles of glass for your rooflights. By matching the rooflights with the rest of your living space, you have created a cohesive and harmonious design that enhances your home’s overall look and feel.  

Why opening rooflights? 

'The coolest thing about these rooflights is that they can open.' 

'We decided to invest in large windows, one of the things we wanted to do is get the most out of them. Having the automatic opening, meant that we can open and close the windows to keep the air quality.' 

VELUX Active can add a modern touch to your home and can increase its energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning or heating. We are glad to hear that the decision was made to optimise your indoor climate and invest in Vario by VELUX rooflights.  

'One of my favourite moments to do with the rooflights, was when we first brought the children into the property, my son pointed out the rooflights and when we opened them, he was astounded!' 

'Traditionally, this back part of the house was quite dark. So by coming out with an extension and having the rooflights put in above, it means we get more natural light earlier – quite often from very early in the morning.' 

The rectangular rooflights you chose to install sound like they fit perfectly with the design of the extension and provide a modern and clean look whilst making your space the place where family comes together. Natural light and ventilation is not only essential for our physical health, but also our emotional well-being. By having more natural light earlier in the morning, you can start your day in a better mood and with positive energy. 

How do you use your new extension now? 

'I would say actually we spend 80 to 90% of our time now just in this room. The joy for us is sitting together and eating, whether that's at the breakfast bar or the dining table, having the kids playing along the side of the kitchen. We are delighted with the end result.' 

'We are now seeing the benefits of what this means to us as a family and the wider family. Being able to host and have parties and social gatherings.’ 

'Everything happens in this space now.' 

It's wonderful to hear that your home renovation project has transformed your living space and has made it a central gathering place for your family and friends. Hosting social gatherings and spending time with loved ones is an important aspect of life and it's great that your home now provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for those special moments. 

It's always a great feeling when a home renovation project meets or exceeds expectations, and it sounds like that is exactly what has happened in this case. Congratulations on your beautiful new space and we wish you very happy memories there!