The Dell

Elliott Architects embraced the brief by their client to design and build a unique and minimalistic family home within the sensitive setting near an established woodland. The doors and windows’ location, style and materials needed meticulous planning. The beauty is in the details, from the slate shingle walls and roof on the ground floor, to timber and slate on the floor above, and a floating balcony to create a playful treehouse design. We were delighted when we were approached by the architects to provide a solution for introducing an abundance of natural light into the home.

The chosen rooflights were selected specifically to help frame the mature trees and natural views to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. Using natural materials with modern detailing, the Neo Rooflights complemented the design with their clean lines and flush installation, and as the Neo can be used in both modern and traditional settings, it was the ideal solution.

Neo Rooflights work with the building’s scheme, flooding the downstairs areas with double-heighted light, allowing the client to benefit from natural light and views on three sides of the building.

The low profile, fine lines and edge-to-edge glazing of the Neo enhanced the oblique plane along the roofline, and as a result, a total of 10 Neo Rooflights were installed with blinds and winders. The outside colour of the rooflight frame was kept dark to help it blend into the surroundings and roof structure, whereas inside, the frameless lining-to-glass interior allowed unobstructed natural light to fully flood the open-plan living and kitchen areas.

Situated in Northumberland woodland, The Dell is a beautiful and welcoming family home set on a previously undeveloped slope. The selected rooflights needed to conform to both the technical and aesthetic requirements set by the architects, as well as satisfy the Planning Authority.

The characteristic low-profile features of the Neo Rooflights were important to the architect to create a coherent and seamless roof sightline. Having selected Neo on a previous award-winning project, Ben Elliott of Elliott Architects was confident in the design and quality of finish.

By choosing Neo Rooflights, the architect could present the client with a design that internally creates a lightwell, maximising the amount of glass in the opening with the aid of hidden frames and architraves. Tailor-made and handcrafted specifically for this project, the roof window colour and the materials used within the frame and glass were designed with meticulous attention to detail while maintaining a contemporary style that maximises natural daylight.

Offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding woodland, the low-profile rooflights fit effortlessly into the pitch of the roof, combining the architect and client’s vision with a sleek design. Ben selected a combination of both neo-12 and neo-14 sizes to maximise available daylight. Utilising the double height of the rooms meant a seamless finish was essential in creating a lightwell without exposed frames or additional trims.

The Neo Rooflight is the original low-profile contemporary skylight, combining high modern performance standards with a frameless, minimalist appearance both inside and out. High-performing yet effortlessly elegant, the Neo Rooflights fit perfectly into the design and help keep the family home safe, secure and watertight.

Awards

• The Dell was shortlisted for a RIBA Regional Award in 2018.