Overhead Glazing was approached by Fennies Real Estate to design, manufacture, and install a large bespoke circular rooflight for a nursery environment in Whitton, London. The nursery is located within the grounds of Whitton Methodist Church, requiring careful planning, precise design coordination, and a strong focus on safety and performance.
Due to the size of the rooflight and the sensitive nature of the space below, this project demanded a bespoke approach to ensure compliance, comfort and long term durability.
Project Overview
The original design intent was for a circular rooflight with a 2000mm external kerb diameter. However, following Overhead Glazing’s site measure service, it became clear that the roof opening and structural requirements necessitated a revised specification.
The final rooflight dimensions were confirmed as:
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2000mm internal diameter
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2400mm external diameter
This change had a significant impact on the overall rooflight design and required a full reassessment of the glass specification, structural performance, and manufacturing process.
Project
Bespoke Circular Rooflight
Location
Whitton, London
Property Type
Commercial
Architect
Measured
October 2025
Installed
November 2025
Structural Design & Load Assessment
Due to the increased size of the rooflight, the originally proposed glass specification was no longer adequate. Overhead Glazing carried out project-specific wind load and snow load calculations to ensure the rooflight met the performance requirements for the site location and application.
The assessment confirmed that:
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The initial glass build-up would not safely support the revised size
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An upgraded glass specification was required
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The changes affected both manufacturing complexity and overall project cost
This process ensured the final rooflight complied with performance requirements while maintaining safety in a large-format overhead glazing application.
Glass Specification & Solar Control
Solar Control Glazing for Nursery Environments
Given the building’s use as a nursery, Overhead Glazing recommended upgrading the rooflight to solar control glass. This was a key consideration to ensure children and staff beneath the rooflight would not suffer from excessive heat gain.
The solar control specification:
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Reduces internal solar heat gain
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Helps maintain comfortable internal temperatures
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Provides UV protection
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Improves occupant comfort throughout the year
This makes it particularly suitable for education and childcare environments
Enhanced Safety with SentryGlas® Interlayer
For additional safety, the rooflight was specified with a SentryGlas® (SGB) interlayer to the laminated inner pane. This decision was driven by:
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The large diameter of the rooflight
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The overhead application
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The nursery environment directly below
SentryGlas® offers significantly higher strength and post-breakage performance compared to standard PVB interlayers, making it ideal for safety-critical, commercial applications.
(For more information about SentryGlas® interlayers, click here.)
Frame Design & Finish
The rooflight frame was manufactured from aluminium, selected for its strength, durability, and suitability for bespoke fabrication.
To achieve a seamless and structurally sound result:
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The aluminium sections were rolled and welded
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This created a continuous circular frame with no joints
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The completed frame was powder coated to the client’s specified RAL colour
Decorative Blacked Edge Detail
For an enhanced cosmetic finish, the rooflight was supplied with a decorative blacked edge to conceal the roof upstand. This method provides a far superior finish compared to standard vinyl edge films, which are often used as a lower-cost alternative.
Unlike vinyl films:
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The blacked edge is integral to the glass
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It delivers a clean, consistent appearance
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It provides a long-lasting, premium finish
This detail was particularly important given the visibility of the rooflight within the nursery environment.
Installation & Site Considerations
Installation planning was critical due to the project’s location within the Whitton Methodist Church site and the operational requirements of a live nursery environment. Careful coordination ensured safe access, controlled handling of the large rooflight unit, and efficient installation with minimal disruption.
Outcome
The completed bespoke circular rooflight delivers high levels of natural daylight while maintaining thermal comfort, safety, and visual quality within the nursery. The combination of solar control glazing, SentryGlas® safety specification, and a seamless welded aluminium frame ensures long-term performance and peace of mind.
This project demonstrates Overhead Glazing’s expertise in delivering large, safety-critical bespoke rooflights for nurseries and education buildings across Whitton and the wider London area.
Decorative Blacked Edge Detail
For an enhanced cosmetic finish, the rooflight was supplied with a decorative blacked edge to conceal the roof upstand. This method provides a far superior finish compared to standard vinyl edge films, which are often used as a lower-cost alternative.
Unlike vinyl films:
-
The blacked edge is integral to the glass
-
It delivers a clean, consistent appearance
-
It provides a long-lasting, premium finish
This detail was particularly important given the visibility of the rooflight within the nursery environment.
