THE 19TH CENTURY
Room in the loft of Hans Christian Andersen (1805 - 1875) Under the roof, the walls were inclined and in them windows were installed.
Tenement house in France illuminated by the window installed in the roof illustrated by French draughtsman Francisque Poulbot.
Painting by Vincent van Gogh “Farms near Auvers” in Parisian d'Orsay Museum with clearly visible glazed roof.
The oldest, historical documentation of inventions concerning non-standard windows comes from the end of the 19th century. Already then roof windows were described as construction element.
First patent application on mechanism for rotating a wooden window.
Historical documentation (British patent no. 1724) regarding improvement in the structure of sliding and pivot windows, skylights and doors submitted by P. Shippobottam.
In the same year, two Britons A. Schmeil and P.Saar submitted another patent application concerning improvement in the structure of skylights. The main idea was concentrated on easy opening from the inside and tight closing protecting against snow and rain penetration. The skylight design presented in this application allowed for the windows to be opened.
1896 GERMANY
Evidences on illumination of the loft in Germany. Glazing in the roof is documented by photos of buildings of the German Wertheim network of department stores in Berlin.
1904
Antoni Gaudi revolutionized the use of lightwells he developed for buildings including the Casa Batlló in 1904. The design of Gaudí’s atriums, particularly those that widen toward the bottom, reflects his deep understanding of both structural engineering and the need for natural light and ventilation in buildings." . Click here to find out more.
1931
The term roof window was used for the first time in German patent application from 1931 concerning top hung structure.
1990`s
ACOL Skylights was established in 1990, becoming Australia’s largest manufacturer of skylights and roof windows. Based on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, ACOL Skylights is proudly Australian owned and operated, creating better living environments, and providing local jobs. Established in 1990, employees have a combined experience in manufacture and installation of Skylights in Australia for over 80 years.