Brief

We were approached with a site which required two large roof windows to be installed to the apex of the roof in a large dining area. Builder was able to supply basic architectural drawings of the required design; which needed to include equally spaced mullions across the window to achieve the desired result, but was really starting with little more than an idea.

Challenges

Consideration needed to be given to the thermal performance of the glazing in order to counter-act the possibility of such a large glazed area creating a ‘heat sink’ in the room beneath.

The final design needed to allow for the minimization of the weight of the final window units given the structural limitations of the existing site.

The external flashings would need to be customized to allow for the integrity of the installation to the apex of the roof.

Design Alternatives

Acol Skylights was able to provide the customer with a wealth of design options in order to reach a viable and cost effective solution. The customer was supplied with a set of alternative solutions from the outset; including visual representations of each option and detailed explanations of the limitations and requirements of each.

We were also able to offer the customer a complete range of glazing alternatives to ensure the window provided the most suitable performance for the application.

Results

Through consultation, combined with expertise and understanding, we achieved an architecturally stunning interior space that exceeded the customer’s expectations in relation to visual appeal, thermal performance, and simplicity of design.

Acol Skylights was able to facilitate the realization of the customer’s dream because we always strive to achieve the best outcome in every scenario.

Brief

The client had an inner city townhouse that had a requirement for a custom roof hatch 3500mm x 800mm to access a roof top alfresco area. The project also called for a trafficable glass component to the hatch lid, to allow guests to walk across the hatch while closed, and also to illuminate the study below with natural light

Challenges

Consideration needed to be given to the thermal performance, and the trafficability, of the glazing; to ensure the hatch would function as both a safe and sturdy extension of the alfresco area, and also as an energy effective skylight option for the study.

The hatch was also required to function as a motorized opening window to allow for natural ventilation in the interior living space. As a result there would be a requirement to design a motorized actuator which would limit the opening capabilities of the hatch in normal operation; but could also be simply and easily converted to a manually operated, fully articulated roof hatch when required.

The requirement for heavy duty trafficable glass would also add considerable weight to the finished unit. The need for the client to be able to manually open the hatch to allow egress to the roof top would require the design of a custom opening mechanism which would include a series of gas powered struts to facilitate both the manual opening and closing of the hatch. This would mean that the client wouldn’t have to manually bear the full weight of the hatch during operation.

The external flashings would also need to be customized to allow for the installation of the unit to a custom purpose built parapet at the site.

Solutions

Through consultation with Viridian Glass we were able to source a hi-performance custom trafficable glass that not only provided excellent thermal insulation but was also capable of complying with the strict building regulations in regard to glass trafficability.

The motorization of the hatch was achieved through the use of multiple remote window actuators which were synchronized to operate in concert through the use of a single radio frequency remote control. These motors were combined with a simple manual ‘quick release’ function allowing for the unit to be converted from window operation to hatch operation with the removal of a series of metal clips.

Acol Skylights was able to utilize a system of gas struts, in a specifically designed configuration, to take the majority of the window’s weight through both the opening and closing functions. This allowed the client to operate the completed installation with ease and safety whenever required.

The customized flashings were fabricated using precise measurements supplied by the customer; this allowed for the simple installation of the completed hatch, using a specifically fitted-out crane, to the roof top. The entire installation process took less than 2 hours. 

Results

The final installation is a sturdy, functional, and visually appealing architectural feature, which adds considerable value to the home by increasing the usable entertaining area by more than double; and provides the homeowners with an abundance of natural light and air flow.

Brief

Architectural client requested a large feature window which incorporated both fixed and opening aspects. Additionally the window required that the opening sashes to be recessed into a larger fixed frame.

Challenges

Consideration would need to be given to the thermal performance of the glazing in order to counter-act the large glazed area overheating the living area beneath.

Both the ‘Sash and Awning’ design and the flashing design would need to customized to ensure a watertight finish when the windows closed.

The position of the finish installation on the roof would mean the window would be visible to guests approaching the house, and therefore would need to be streamlined to the roof pitch to minimize the external visual impact.

Solutions

The use of a specifically recommended hi-performance single glaze allowed us to provide suitable thermal protection for the home while minimizing weight. This ensured the home would remain cool in summer and warm in winter while also taking full advantage of the stunning local vista.

Acol Skylights was able to formulate a simple compound window design whereby a combination of opening and fixed panes can be incorporated into the final design to create a simple, slimline, multi-pane unit.

Results

By utilizing our years of expertise and our cutting edge design capabilities we were able to achieve everything the client wanted at a price that was well below expectations and enabled the project to stay within the client’s budget range.