The Evolution of Rooflight Design
While the basic function of rooflights has remained largely unchanged over the years other functions have been added and designs have evolved to reflect changing tastes and needs. From their humble origins rooflights have come to embrace cutting-edge technologies, thoroughly modern materials and advances in engineering to become the sleek, energy-efficient, extremely durable architectural feature we know and love today. In this post we'll look at the evolution of rooflight design: from traditional to modern styles.
In the Beginning…
For several thousand years architects and builders have looked for ways to increase the amount of natural light inside a structure.
In the days of the Roman Empire, many public buildings included simple openings in the roof for sunlight to enter. Maybe the most famous example of this is the Pantheon in Rome. In some cases, they would cover these openings with a crude form of glass, examples of which survive to this day.
Medieval architects invented the clerestory window which, while not exactly a rooflight, served a similar purpose of allowing light into the space from on-high.
Into the Modern Era…
It wasn't until the 19th century and the industrial revolution that rooflights as we would recognise them today came into their own. During that time the production of high-quality glass increased exponentially as did the production of cast iron and other materials that could be used for framing. As a result factories, warehouses, train stations and some homes began to feature rooflights of various size.
As the century wore on skylights began to spread out across much of Europe and were quickly adopted by builders of mountain chalets and farmhouses, which were notoriously dark and dingy. You can see a farmhouse with a rooflight in one of Van Gogh's paintings called "Thatched Cottages by a Hill" from 1890.
Today, rooflights are an indispensable architectural feature that enables homeowners to enhance the atmosphere of their home while increasing its energy efficiency and enhancing its curb appeal. Today's skylights feature world-class engineering and thoroughly modern materials unheard of 100 years ago.
Trust Rooflights & Roof Lanterns for World-Class Rooflights & Skylights
The basic function of rooflights (to allow light into an otherwise dark space) has not changed in 2,000+ years, although today's skylights feature cutting-edge designs and thoroughly modern materials. If you are contemplating rooflights for your home take a look through our online portfolio. And if you have questions feel free to call us on 020 8087 2004.
- Josh Hartim
