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Project Overview

Overhead Glazing was tasked with designing, supplying, and installing a bespoke flat double-glazed rooflight for a cottage near Southampton and Winchester. The key design challenge was to create a seamless glazing solution that wrapped around the building while maintaining a clean and minimal aesthetic.

The rooflight was positioned against an existing wall and required a precise mitre join to follow the building’s layout. To preserve the sleek appearance, the design incorporated a minimal number of visible joins and glazing bars while ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, the client requested a 1m clear internal width between the upstands, demanding careful material selection and engineering to balance aesthetics with performance.

This project required a combination of precision manufacturing and expert installation to deliver a rooflight that was both visually striking and highly functional.

Location: Cottages near Southampton, Winchester
Architect: Anthony Warren Associates

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge:
The primary challenge was to design a rooflight that met both aesthetic and functional requirements while minimizing the number of glazing panels and visible joins. Given the wraparound nature of the installation, achieving a seamless appearance with structural integrity required precise engineering and high-quality materials.

Solution:
To address this, Overhead Glazing carefully optimized the glass sizing and support structure to minimize the number of panels while maintaining strength and stability. A precise mitre join was incorporated at the corner to create a continuous, elegant flow in the glazing. Additionally, the use of high-performance structural laminated glass allowed for the required 1m clear internal width between upstands, reducing the need for additional support bars.

By combining expert design, precision manufacturing, and meticulous installation, the team successfully delivered a sleek, modern rooflight that enhanced the architectural vision without compromising performance.

Frame & Sealing Details:

Glass Specification:
To create an all-season rooflight, we incorporated a solar control panel on the outer pane. This helps reduce solar glare and heat buildup during hot days while also enhancing thermal efficiency in colder months. The Low-E glass coating reflects internal heat back into the space, improving insulation and energy efficiency.

Frame & Sealing Details:
To achieve the best overall U-value (Ud), we used thermally broken aluminium frames. This not only enhances insulation but also ensures 100% water tightness, air tightness, and structural integrity. The frame provides essential support beneath the glass, preventing unnecessary pressure that could cause deflection.

Precision Mitre Jointing:
To achieve a flawless mitre join, the joints were templated after the frames were installed. This method ensured a perfect glass alignment and a consistent silicone joint across all panels, maintaining a seamless aesthetic while preserving structural integrity.

Outcome

The final result highlights the importance of meticulous planning in achieving the right balance between design, structural integrity, and budget efficiency. By carefully considering every detail—from glass selection to installation techniques—Overhead Glazing successfully delivered a sleek, high-performance rooflight that seamlessly integrates with the building’s architecture.