"light"

Glass loft hatches are an attractive period feature and offer a source of natural light into otherwise dark areas of a home. However, they are often the only way to access the home’s loft and finding a suitable loft ladder for a glass loft hatch is not easy. Premier Loft Ladders were able to offer an innovative solution for this very problem, allowing the owners of a traditional Victorian home the benefit of easy access to the loft, as well as maintaining period features and not obscuring the natural light.Learn more about this case study and the versatile Piccolo Premium Vertical loft ladder...

Sherwin-Williams polyurethane floor coating Resutile provided a bright solution for this large museum area full of famous aircraft which have been part of aviation history. Lots of natural light came into this area so any coating chosen had to be UV stable to avoid discolouration over time which would spoil the aesthetic appearance. Resutile has great chemical reistance and is fully light resistant. The product has been used in Aircraft hangars around the world for twenty five years to create and enhance bright modern environments.

Belgravia in London features some stunning examples of Georgian architecture. One town house, now a European embassy building, was in need of attention. The embassy featured original skylights, now almost 200 years old. They spilled little natural light into the space below, but the amount of glass magnified the sun’s heat and sent the interior temperatures soaring. A priority for refurbishment to any historic building is that additions and replacements must be sympathetic to the existing architecture. Equally, the objective behind the works was to increase interior comfort levels dramatically, as well as improving natural light.

Optimised levels of natural light and ventilation have transformed a Grade II Listed Building into a highly productive learning space The main challenge for Newcastle-based Xsite Architecture was to refurbish the Hawthorne building so that it created a space where students wanted to congregate in the communal areas beneath, yet still satisfied Listed Buildings’ requirements and maintained the feel of the industrial heritage of the site. A key requirement was high levels of natural light and ventilation and the architects took their lead from the mounting body of research that shows how these elements can increase learning capacity.

Westhill Community Church was a new, green field project in Aberdeenshire. Its highly contemporary style was designed for maximum functionality and to encourage use by the wider community. Natural light and climate controllability were the central considerations for the clients of McLean Architects during initial discussions - a common request for high ceiling, large space developments.The architect, McLean Architects (based in Glasgow), had used FAKRO roof windows on a number of other projects and specified FAKRO products because of the excellent technical support and the option to specify matching zinc flashings.33 FAKRO roof windows were discreetly positioned to flood the stage with natural light as well as illuminate a cluster of buildings that formed the sanctuary, low-rise foyer, and adjoining offices.Products included electrically operated FTP-V U3 windows with a rain sensor, specially constructed EFW Kerb Upstands were made to enhance the internal light with combination flashings, Smoke Vent windows, wall switches, and remote controls.

In realising the Beiersdorf Campus, the Lindner Group played a key role by providing customised solutions for efficient space design. Particularly noteworthy is the Lindner Cube with occupancy light: This innovative room-within-a-room system is renowned for its stand-alone construction, which requires no connection to walls or ceilings, thus contributing to flexibility and dynamism in modern office environments. The new occupancy light, discreetly mounted on the ceiling of the cube, was a standout feature. It automatically activates via a presence detector, indicating the cube's occupancy and promoting a disruption-free work atmosphere.This smart feature not only increases space efficiency but also optimises operational workflows. Additionally, the Lindner Cube allows for bespoke adaptation to a company's corporate design with a choice of colour options and different lighting elements.Completed WorksRoom-in-Room Lindner Cube solo Partitions Partition Systems Glass Lindner Life Stereo 125 Partition Systems Full Panel Lindner Logic 100 Timber Wall and ceiling panels COMPlacq

Sustainable 100% off-grid street lights powered by wind and solar in a housing development in Emsworth. Showcasing the future of low Carbon housing.

The project was already on site and with the lighting already on order, each island needed to be manufactured to bespoke dimensions within a six week time frame.

Lots of natural light, a green environment, less noise-induced stress and use of durable materials: healing environments are receiving increasing attention in healthcare.

Gerflor’s Taraflex® Sport M Performance vinyl sports flooring in three pulsating colours; Pink, Silver Grey and London Light Blue.

Vehicle and pedestrian safety barriers to edge protection on all deck perimeters; lighting columns included in the 460 space multi-storey car park.

It’s a pioneering project in hospital architecture where human scale and comfort prevail . Light management, efficiency and therapeutic silence are the basic elements to achieve this purpose . To match this innovative and practical project, B - Box with a crank handle and blackout Imagine BO fabric were installed, guaranteeing optimal opacity and comfort . Premium Plus roller shades with a chain were installed in communal areas . Made with Polyscreen ® 550 , this technical fabric ensures maximum thermal and light efficiency . Both fabrics fulfill the specific needs and standards of a hospital: they are fireproof and antibacterial . 2015 The International Architecture Award - Chicago Athenaeum.

The project is one of the major healthcare complex of Lisboa , Portugal . It welcomes a hospital and elderly housing . Due to a reduced site, the design focused on creating a unique volume with an internal street to separate its two functions and link the project to its urban environment . Natural light was used as an element of the design, providing comfortable spaces for both patients and the medical team . Our products, Arion and Premium Plus roller shades, perfectly integrate its façade, as a key element to light control . These systems allow windows covering of various dimensions, and provide visual comfort at any time . 2007 Premio Valmor

Architect: Scenario Architecture. This beautiful Victorian villa received an innovative green-roofed extension full of natural light thanks to IDSystems installed bifold doors, gable end glazing, rooflights, window and door. The challenge for Scenario Architecture was to design an extension that was filled full of natural light, took into account the changing floor levels of the property. Under the pitched roof, the gable end glazing has been designed to perfectly match the profiles of the SUNFLEX SF75 bifold doors, whilst the inclusion of a single access door allows the extension to angle away to create a larger kitchen/dining area.

In the heart of the building, Populous's architects designed the Blueroom bar and the O2 lounge. A 3D dome was entirely dressed with Barrisol Lumière Color® ceilings. The Barrisol Lumière Color® ceiling offers complete freedom to create unique lighting effects adaptable on all event styles. Lightings are placed above the Barrisol® membrane and create many colored effects. The O2 lounge staff can imagine and create unique luminous atmospheres to surprise its visitors! The Entrance of the Lounge is also made of Barrisol, designing a futuristic tunnel. The O2 complex provides a unique experience to its visitors!

The Grade II* Listed Blue Mills in Witham, Essex was recorded in Domesday as the water mill at Benton Hall, a subsidiary manor of Blunts in Witham. The owners have lived in Blue Mills for 20 years and reached out to Selectaglaze for advice on secondary glazing treatments for their primary windows; a mixture of timber sash windows, fixed lights and inward/outward opening casements. 22 windows were treated using a number of window styles: fixed light, vertical sliding and side-hung casements. Selectaglaze is the leading specialist in secondary glazing, established in 1966 and Royal Warrant Holder since 2004.

Designed by Faulkner Browns architects, the new £21.6 million, 3-storey all through 1000 pupil school was created using a steel framed structure to speed up the build. Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain walling was chosen as a lightweight option for the exterior façade and was used throughout the building and extensively to form the full-height atrium which allows plenty of natural light to enter the school’s inner zones.Together with ultra thermally efficient PURe® casement windows, the enhanced thermal efficiency of SF52 ensures a comfortable learning environment and helps keep heating and lighting costs to a minimum.

The University of Birmingham School was the first academy free secondary school to be assigned to a particular university. This is a new model of education, bringing together the best of university research and teaching best practice in secondary education. Technal aluminium windows were specified for this project in a 210mm high module to achieve the required available air flow and light transmission. Aluminium Commercial Doors were specified to achieve robustness and increased thermal insulation. Aluminium Curtain Walling was also used to deliver more natural light into the project without sacrificing weather performance, thermal insulation and ease of fabrication. 

Vtec Texture Panels were specified in the room designs for the first flagship Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, London. The existing concrete slab didn’t have a high quality finish, so Vtec’s rough concrete panels were included as part of the design. They are very light so can be used to create stunning ceilings. Following sign-off of a trial room, Vtec’s Rough Concrete Horizontal panels in Light Grey, fire resistant grade, were installed in all 95 hotel bedrooms. The team worked closely with the contractor throughout this phased project to help them deliver stunning results.

This central public transportation hub has a light-filled, vibrant and inviting atmosphere thanks to light columns – a structurally expressive skylight and walkable glass floor combination that brings sunshine into the building. This innovative solution has met the most demanding requirements for a fire-rated glass floor and skylight to date; 2-hour fire rating, blast, and seismic resistance, plus live loading for foot traffic. It involves horizontal fire-rated glass, structural glass, and spacers with air-gaps to avoid replacing glass due to dirt and condensation issues that would develop with foot traffic and the outdoor environment.

Vtec’s MaxiBeam system was included in the design for a new reception area in a corporate office building. Both the client and designer wanted a statement feature that had a real ‘wow factor’ that also worked alongside the rest of the scheme. The design involved complex geometry and integrations for a stunning acoustic wall and ceiling in MaxiBeam Light Oak finish. The project involved bespoke angled ends on the interface, precise spacing and complete integration with the lighting scheme. In addition, timescales were extremely tight so drawings with full install details and 3D visuals were turned around very quickly.

The historic Aberdeen Music Hall has been restored and redeveloped by Architects BDP. The Category A listed concert hall has been completely refurbished and now includes a performance studio, creative learning space and a café/bar. Nearly 1,500m2 of Junckers solid Nordic Beech Classic flooring has been fitted as part of the transformation, including in the impressive 1,300 seat auditorium, which now has step-free access to all levels. Nordic Beech with its white pigmented finish offers a light and bright backdrop to the interior and makes the most of the architects’ new architectural lighting by reflecting an abundance of light. By specifying the same floor for much of the building, the various spaces are seamlessly connected by a unifying element. At 140mm wide, Junckers’ signature wide board, long-length floor boards really come into their own in the open spaces and circulation routes, offering a clean and elegant look. Solid beech is amongst the most hard-wearing timbers used for flooring and Junckers’ pre-finished floors are well-known for their durability. The flooring contractor was West End Flooring. 

The Glass Yard is a prestigious mixed office and retail development in Chesterfield, on the site of what was the once the largest manufacturer of domestic glassware in the UK. It has been designed sustainably and ergonomically by developer Blue Deer Ltd. for an open plan, daylight filled environment. The client approached Tarmac’s representatives looking for a safe, practical, durable and visually distinctive finish for the main external walkways and first-floor balconies that would complement the modern design and sustainable ethos of the building. After providing advice and number of samples, the client chose TOPTINT Glow a unique, glow in the dark decorative concrete that uses light sensitive chippings to help illuminate areas such as footpaths, cycleways and pedestrian areas. The glowing aggregate provided a passive and energy efficient form of demarcation to help guide clients along the balconies and walkways at night-time and in low ambient light conditions. This fitted with the building’s sustainable design ethos. The gentle glow provided by the light emitting chippings also provided an ambience that was sure to be a talking point for customers and would help put the new development on the map.

FORBO FLOORING SYSTEMS’ ALLURA DECIBEL AIDS IN CREATION OF DESTINATION OFFICE After over a decade of operation, 299 Lighting decided it was time to invest in a new office space, creating a destination office for its team of lighting engineers. Tasked with revamping a 90-year-old building for this purpose, interior designers Fable and Form looked to Forbo Flooring Systems’ Allura Decibel and Furniture Linoleum ranges to reduce impact noise, as well as providing a warm and friendly finish throughout the office. A former industrial unit that was converted into a bakery in 1946, Cadena House got its name from the Cadena Cafes brand, and has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. 299 Lighting spotted the potential the old building had and purchased it in December 2020, with the view to renovate it completely, reimagining the space into a new team orientated office.  Sara Barnett, Co-founder and Director at Fable and Form, commented on the design brief she received, saying: “299 Lighting wanted to strip back the building to its shell, with the view to maximise the sustainable solutions that could be added to it. With this in mind, they asked for our help to uncover the full potential of the space, as they realised engaging in the design process early would mean their imaginations could be successfully realised.  “When looking at the aesthetic requirements of the design, we took inspiration from 299 Lighting’s branding; balancing the bold and fresh company brand, with the nurturing and supportive attributes of the co-founders. This helped to create an environment which is truly unique and innovative – just like them!” The wellbeing of staff was also paramount to 299 Lighting. With this in mind, Fable and Form’s design team looked for materials that would fit the stripped back feel of the space, whilst also contributing to the biophilic design. Stevie Cleverly, Co-Founder and Director at Fable and Form explained further: “With the aim to create a sustainable and healthy space for 299 Lighting’s employees, it was important that we carefully selected the materials we used in this project. It was for this reason that we specified Forbo’s Allura Decibel Luxury Vinyl Tiles.” A unique proposition in the market, Forbo’s updated Allura Decibel collection meets the demand for stylish, luxury acoustic floor coverings no matter what the application area. Offering 19 dB impact sound reduction, the collection is available in 49 contemporary colourways, which are split between the following ranges: woods, and stones and materials. Stevie continued: “We specified Allura Decibel in a contemporary concrete colourway across the entire first floor for continuity. This decor was in keeping with the building’s original materials and matched the concrete ceilings, which were shot blasted to its original look. Not only this, but with a 19 dB impact sound reduction, unnecessary noise could be reduced in the office, helping to create a better space to work in. “In keeping with our sustainable design principles, we also included Forbo’s Furniture Linoleum into the meeting tables and breakout furniture, providing a warmer and more tactile finish to touch points.”  Forbo’s Furniture Linoleum is a natural surfacing material and has recently been confirmed to be climate positive (cradle to gate) without offsetting. In addition to this, it is antistatic – stopping the build-up of dust and fingerprints on surface tops.  Work on the building began in early 2021 and was finished in seven months, with 299 Lighting saying: “What we have achieved is even more than we envisaged would be possible.” Find out more about Forbo’s solutions for offices, here: www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/offices.

This project features a unique look, designed by us with made-to-measure stonework, including deck-level pool copings and integrated spa seating, incorporating inset lighting.

Eastcheap Court has been newly re-designed by Trehearne Architects and Fletcher Preist, to provide best-in-class office space within a smart controlled environment.We manufactured and installed a precast concrete reception desk for the newly redesigned reception area. The desk was constructed from two large precast sections, and we used our special eco mix of glass fibre-reinforced concrete for this project. It was created in a White Smooth finish and was had-polished and assembled onsite. We also added LED lighting strips to provide evenly distributed lighting around the area. It was a successful build that the client was very happy with.

As part of a redevelopment at Coventry University, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities was transformed to feature a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects and new reception area.First of three, this new reception desk was assembled and finished by our team on site. Large precast polished concrete sections in Silk Mist finish were carefully fitted with a geometrically shaped Corian surround. We also added LED lighting strips to provide evenly distributed lighting around the area. We used our unique eco BTX ultra high performance concrete mix technology which helps to give our products the durability and performance they need.

High performance, made-to-order, timber, traditional flush leaded light casement windows and doors from the Lomax + Wood Kensington & Chelsea range have been specified for a stunning new build property located on the private Coombe Hill Estate, Kingston upon Thames. The 12,000 sq ft property designed and constructed by an award-winning London developer offers unparalleled views towards Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common as well as the legendary and adjacent Coombe Hill Golf Course. Made-to-order wooden windows from knot free engineered timber were supplied as fully finished windows and doors with leaded lights.

Seven Rockfon ceiling and wall system ranges make valuable contributions to the innovative £40m Harris Academy Sutton, South London – the first Passivhaus secondary school in the country. Our acoustic, ceiling and wall systems are fully recyclable. Their thermal insulation and light reflectance properties help minimise the need for power to regulate heat and light. Non-hygroscopic and non-combustible, they are impervious to most environmental pressures, embodying very high humidity resistance, up to 100% RH. Architect Mark Martines commented, “They offer good sound control, absorption and reverberation, and allow us design freedom without compromising on performance.

The newly redeveloped Downing Place United Reformed Church in Cambridge required Selectaglaze secondary glazing for thermal insulation and improved energy efficiency. The Church was built in 1891 and stands within the Historic Core Conservation Area.56 units were installed; comprising of four Series 45 side hung casements in the Chapel and 52 Series 46 slimline fixed lights installed in the Nave. A timber mullioned cartwheel frame was crafted to securely hold the secondary glazing in a large circular window in the Nave. Seven bespoke Series 46 fixed light segments were made for it and glazed with 6mm toughened glass.     

Our real life cases are meant to inspire you, so we always look for unique projects to follow and document. This case is unique in it’s own right thanks to the early adoption of bespoke blinds to fit the Vario by VELUX rooflights.Let us take you on a journey to a beautifully renovated 1930’s home in East-Sussex, where homeowner Graham Gray lives alongside his wife, children and dog. As much as they loved their house as it was, they finally made the decision to redevelop mostly the back of the house. This renovation included not only a bespoke rectangular rooflight, but also custom made blinds which perfectly fit the roof window.Brightening up a 1930’s home with natural lightingA house built in the ‘30’s isn’t usually the brightest of homes. These houses often come with few or small windows which don’t allow natural lighting to fully penetrate a room, causing dark spots and corners all around the house. This is why Graham and his family wanted natural daylight to be a focal point in the renovation of their mid-century home, saying “Light was really important to make an area spacious and airy.”. They sure lit up the place by choosing one of the biggest singular bespoke rooflights in the size 3000 mm by 1000 mm.The perks of a big custom Vario by Velux skylightBecause the Gray family opted for such a big rectangular skylight, it let in a bunch of light. We asked Graham what he loved the most about the rooflight; “During the day you are looking at the sunlight being brought in, and then during the night you are looking at the wondrous sky and the stars. And if I’m honest during the summer I can’t see us using any light other than the light coming from the VELUX rooflight.”. Another bright side to our rooflights is that they don’t require days or even weeks of work. The three by one meter skylight was practically placed in less than a morning!Creating an ambience with blinds for VELUX roof windowsWhile having a rooflight comes with a lot of perks, there is something to consider; sunlight can’t be dimmed down. Sometimes you want a room to feel warm and cosy, which you often do by turning off some lights or closing the curtains. Graham and his family understood the importance of creating an ambience, and thus opted for skylight blinds for VELUX roof windows. Graham’s daughter added; “The rooflight can do so much more than just be a feature. It has a lot of practicality like giving ambience for movies and makes the space feel more homey and lived in.”Why Graham and his builder chose Vario by Velux as their window supplierGraham’s builder had recommended VELUX because “it’s a well-known, high quality brand with excellent customer support”. But what played an exceptionally big part in the decision was the availability of Vario, mostly thanks to our unique feature to design your own custom made skylight! The Gray’s made a bold move to go very large and incorporated a big rooflight with a feature that allows them to open it remotely, allowing for natural ventilation. This meant that Graham and his family could choose the size that they wanted and needed, including custom fit blinds and a rain detector which automatically closes the window in case of bad weather.Welcome the beauty of daylight into your designsIf you are an architect involved in home renovation or construction projects, our customised rooflights offer an ideal solution to bring abundant natural light into your designs. By incorporating rooflights, you can transform any space into a vibrant and illuminated environment. Our team of experienced daylight specialists is available to assist you in selecting the perfect skylight that aligns with your specific requirements and preferences. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your architectural creations and experience the profound effects of natural lighting with Vario by VELUX.

Schlüter LED profile lights up stunning feature wall in residential property. Schlüter-LIPROTEC framed a 5m tall porcelain tile feature, providing a statement finish.

The stunning appearance of the finishing surface produced by the PanDOMO® Wall System integrated with the ambient lighting effect perfectly, whilst complying with the owners quick installation and drying requirements.

Rooflights deliver top class performance at new-build educational facilityBrett Martin supplied new-build Tauheedul Islam School with a combination of Marvault vault rooflight systems and Glass Link rooflights meeting no less than 2 design solutions.The Marvaults were installed over the stunning refectory in lengths of more than 15 metres and spans of 2.3 metres, where large continuous runs were needed.These vaults provide the optimum combination of light transmission and UV protection and play a crucial role in reducing demand for electric lighting as well as lowering CO2 emissions and running costs. A series of 8 premium Glass Link rooflights then, which met the requirement for high light transmission and thermal performance, were fitted to flood the multi-sports complex with natural daylight. A laminated inner pane also ensures the safety of those below.Both rooflight systems deliver exceptional levels of daylight into the school optimising internal environment conditions. They play a crucial role in both the aesthetic and thermal performance of the school whilst having a positive impact on students’ wellbeing.

Clement steel windows were chosen for the refurbishment of this double-fronted office building set within a busy part of the City of London near Smithfield Market. Surrounded by narrow cobbled streets it is situated on the boundary of the Smithfield Conservation Area.Blenheim House Construction (BHC) selected windows from the Clement EB24 range because they best suited the original look of the building and allowed for the maximum amount of light to flow throughout the property. Natural light was an important aim of this high specification refurbishment - central to the building is a mezzanine which creates a dramatic light-filled double height space.The windows are polyester powder coated in matt RAL 9005 (Jet Black) to match the frames as a finishing touch.Matthew Brown, Project Manager at BHC, commented:“We found Clement’s management team to be attentive, promptly addressing queries when raised and offering solutions and advice when called upon. This resulted in the windows being installed in a safe manner as per our agreed programme, and perhaps just as importantly, the client being pleased with the look of the end product.”Photography: CGS Photographers Ltd 

This multiple RIBA Award-winning spectacular home by Loyn & Co Architects is located on a sloping hill with spectacular views of the Wye Valley. With glass-fronted living spaces and light wells on the uphill side of the house, the architect wanted shading that didn't interfere with the overall design. Therefore, blind housings were custom finished to match the glazing structure in floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. For the windows, fully automated roller blinds were specified to ensure protection from glare and solar heat gain, while allowing daytime visibility. This was accomplished using high-performance Blenheim 5% screen material.Throughout the house, the artists own art and furniture give this concrete house a very luxurious feel. Below, a single 13m long motorised skylight blind provides both light control and protects artwork from UV fading. At the rear of the house, purpose-designed studios use large lightwells with electric blinds to control the light and keep the environment comfortable.  To provide privacy, bottom-up cord-tensioned Honeycell Duette® blinds were installed in bathrooms with all hardware matching doors and windows.