Designing for heritage buildings is a unique blend of precision, patience, and deep respect for the past. When it comes to introducing daylight into these protected spaces, the challenges multiply. Rooflights, while offering significant performance and wellbeing benefits, must be carefully designed to meet planning regulations, structural limitations, and aesthetic expectations.

At Whitesales, we understand that adding modern functionality to historic buildings is never a one-size-fits-all task. Retrofitting rooflights in listed or conservation-area properties requires more than a standard product, it demands a solution that honours what makes the building special.

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Navigating conservation constraints

Heritage buildings come with their own set of rules. Planning authorities and conservation officers place strict requirements on what can and can’t be altered, especially when it comes to anything that might affect the building’s external appearance. For rooflights, this often means a preference, or requirement, for flush-fitting designs that sit discreetly within the roofline.

Matching the building’s existing character is critical. Any modern additions must be sympathetic in appearance, materials, and proportions. That’s why rooflight installations in heritage buildings need to do more than perform well, they must look like they’ve always been there.

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The importance of visual accuracy

One of the most effective ways to retain architectural harmony is through thoughtful detailing, and that’s where our Heritage Glazing Bars come in. These slimline bars replicate the appearance of traditional glazing divisions often seen in period buildings, helping new rooflights blend in seamlessly with their historical surroundings.

Heritage bars are a subtle but vital detail. They allow our modern rooflight systems to mirror the original look of cast iron or timber-framed glazing without compromising on the structural integrity, thermal performance or safety that today’s standards demand. It’s a win-win: performance without visual disruption.

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More than just looks

It’s important to remember that heritage buildings must still comply with modern Building Regulations, unless specific exemptions apply. That includes Part L for energy efficiency, Part B for fire safety, and Part K for protection against falling or impact. Our rooflights, even those with heritage glazing bars, are designed with these standards in mind, offering compliant performance wrapped in a conservation-friendly aesthetic.

They can also be specified with optional features like ventilation, access, and non-fragility ratings. This is important for safe maintenance and usability, especially in repurposed or mixed-use heritage buildings.

Made for complexity

Heritage buildings rarely present ideal installation conditions. Roofs may be irregular, fragile, or altered through years of use. That’s why our systems are made to order, with sizing, flashing, and finish options tailored to each project’s needs. Where required, we can also advise on how best to match existing rooflight configurations, including bar centres and panel layouts, to keep everything visually consistent.

We support conservation teams, architects, and contractors with early-stage technical advice, including sample drawings, daylight calculations and specification data to aid the planning process. Our goal is always the same: to deliver light, functionality and longevity without compromising character.

Real-world experience

Some notable examples is our work on the Grade II listed Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where we replaced deteriorating timber rooflights as part of a major refurbishment. Our bespoke aluminium rooflights, finished in heritage-appropriate colours and fitted with replica glazing bars, delivered all the benefits of modern roof glazing, thermal performance, non-fragility, and reduced maintenance, while satisfying planning requirements and preserving the building’s architectural integrity.

Our work at Grade I listed Somerset House, one the UK’s greatest architectural treasures, is another notable example of our work. We installed a bespoke semi-circular rooflight, double-glazed with hermetically sealed glass units and an automatic electric opening section to allow for smoke ventilation. Perfectly in keeping with the heritage design of the original, the rooflight meets the latest glazing regulations, improving thermal performance and interior comfort. Working very closely with key stakeholders on the project assured we delivered a standout solution

These are just examples of our commitment to delivering quality work and a testament to what’s possible when design and conservation work hand in hand.

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Lighting up the future — respecting the past

Heritage buildings are a vital part of our built environment. Bringing them into the future without erasing their past is a responsibility we take seriously. With the right design approach, rooflights can enhance the use and value of these spaces, delivering daylight, ventilation and visual comfort, all without altering their essential character.

At Whitesales, our heritage rooflight solutions, including our carefully crafted heritage bars, are made for exactly this kind of work. Because sometimes, the best way to protect a building’s history is to let a little more light in.