CASE STUDY
Burd Haward Architects Ltd
Beard Construction
Telephone: 01993 833155
Mottisfont Abbey is a historical priory and country estate in Hampshire, operated by the National Trust. Our Bespoke Design Team created a suite of Neo® style trapezoidal Rooflights to feature on the corten corrugated roof of their new visitor centre. The project required close collaboration between the architect’s team at Burd Haward Architects Ltd, Beard Construction and our design team in order to ensure all the angles matched perfectly. To support this, a bespoke base frame was designed for the flashing to run from the top of the corrugated corten and down to the frame channel, passing over the frame edge and sealing the opening. A neoprene interlayer was placed between the corten and steel rooflights to separate the two metals.
A total of six rooflights were installed at a 45-degree pitch and a further two at a 27-degree pitch. The rooflights were hinged at the top end with a motorised opening to provide ventilation and temperature control for the comfort of visitors and staff. The corten roof sailed over the top of the frame edge concealing part of the water channel for a clean look.
This gallery showcases the sensitively designed visitor facilities at Mottisfont Abbey, where natural light, agricultural forms and detailed craftsmanship work in harmony with a treasured heritage landscape. Explore the bespoke trapezoidal rooflights and their role in creating bright, welcoming interiors.
‘We specified The Rooflight Co because we were impressed by the attention to detail and quality of construction of their roof lights. We also needed a company that could supply a bespoke product and so worked closely with their design department to develop a roof light that would dovetail with the rest of our design.’
Buddy Haward
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Burd Haward Architects
As one of National Trust’s most important heritage sites, Mottisfont Abbey presents a delicate balance between preserving its historic value and offering modern, engaging facilities to the public. The development has been expertly realised by Burd Haward Architects, creating an exceptional experience for visitors while having minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
The detailed site masterplan encompassed the conversion of a Grade II Listed Coach House into a restaurant, alongside the construction of new buildings to house a shop, café and visitor facilities. These new structures were carefully designed to reflect the agricultural vernacular of the estate, with each building possessing its own unique character while maintaining harmony with the natural landscape.
The Rooflight Co was selected by Burd Haward Architects to design and manufacture bespoke trapezoidal rooflights, based on our contemporary classic Neo Rooflight. Given the complexity of the project, attention to detail was critical in preserving both the aesthetics and functionality of the design.
The buildings are situated on the banks of the River Test, adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), so every aspect of the design was carried out with minimal environmental impact in mind. A key feature of this approach was raising the buildings slightly above ground to reduce their effect on the floodplain, while ensuring the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem was maintained.
A particularly important element of the design was the use of bespoke rooflights in the gift shop, which enhance the space with natural light whilst also contributing to ventilation and temperature control. Designed to resemble a traditional agricultural barn, the rooflights allow an abundance of daylight to flood the interior, creating a light and airy environment that benefits both the visitor experience and the building’s energy efficiency.
Internally, the frameless appearance of the rooflights offers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that complements the simplicity of the design and enhances the overall feel of the visitor centre, without detracting from the historic Abbey.
Our Bespoke Design Team worked closely with Burd Haward Architects and Beard Construction from the early design stages through to final installation, ensuring flawless execution. The bespoke trapezoidal rooflights featured concealed motors to enable opening, providing additional ventilation and fresh air during warmer months. At the top-hinged end of each rooflight, the corten roof elegantly sails over the frame edge, hiding part of the water channel for a clean finish. This detail creates the appearance that the rooflights are set directly into the roof like perfectly placed puzzle pieces, delivering an uninterrupted visual effect.
The development marks a major step forward in making Mottisfont Abbey a more accessible and engaging site for visitors, while preserving its significance as a National Trust property and important heritage asset. The collaboration between The Rooflight Co, Burd Haward Architects and Beard Construction resulted in an exceptional project that is both environmentally sensitive and visually striking, exemplifying the care and expertise invested in every aspect of this landmark development.
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Meet the experts behind this project – our dedicated team who brought this vision to life.
Passionate about properties of distinction, Phil understands the delicate balance between preserving the integrity of historic buildings and delivering high-quality, high-performing natural top lighting solutions. With exacting standards, Phil recognises that prestigious properties require not only superior products but also a bespoke service that supports every stage of the project. Collaborating closely with our Design Engineers, Phil advises on some of our most complex and highly confidential projects, where discretion and sensitivity are paramount both nationally and internationally.
Kathryn is a skilled Design Manager who combines creative thinking with practical engineering insight. Grounded in realistic and achievable design principles, she brings clarity and innovation to even the most complex rooflight challenges. Passionate about delivering exceptional results, Kathryn is committed to ensuring your specification requirements are not only met—but exceeded. With extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in natural toplighting solutions, she is a trusted partner throughout the design process. Her approach ensures that every solution is thoughtfully designed, high-performing, and tailored to the unique needs of your project.
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