CASE STUDY
Henning Stummel Architects
Telephone: 01993 833155
Reminiscent of a Mediterranean village, the award-winning Tin House is snugly cocooned by traditional terraced houses in Shepherd’s Bush, West London. Designed by Henning Stummel as a new home for his family, this impressive property is the winner of the RIBA London Award in 2016.
The house comprises six interconnected, but distinct pods located around a central courtyard, lending the house a sense of much desired privacy and seclusion. The Rooflight Co was involved from the early planning stage resulting in a set of tailor-made trapezoidal Plateau Rooflights, positioned directly over each pod, fitting with millimetre precision to the contours of each roof.
Within the bedrooms, blackout blinds were specially developed to the bespoke trapezoidal shape for privacy and light control.
Externally, the rooflight frames were coloured matched to the RAL 8004, Brick Red standing seam metal cladding. Internally the frameless design of the bespoke rooflights maximises the viewable opening. The rooflights sit effortlessly into the design making it look like there is almost no window at all and the roof is open to the sky.
This gallery showcases the unique geometric forms, meticulous detailing, and transformative effect of natural light within Tin House. The images highlight how the bespoke Neo Rooflights define the project’s visual identity and enhance the architectural rhythm of its six interconnected pods.
“It was terribly exciting when the rooflights finally came in and when they were lifted, and we had got onto the adjacent roof and looked down. It was a major milestone in the development of the project when that happened. The rooflights were a really important part to help bring the whole project to life.”
Henning Stummel
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Henning Stummel Architects
The final effect of Tin House is striking, with its minimalistic and clean design drawing well-deserved attention from Channel 4’s Grand Designs. With complicated geometry used throughout the building, no two rooflights were the same. The Rooflight Co provided bespoke planning, templates and 3D models to ensure each rooflight would fit within precise tolerances and help the architect visualise the final design.
Henning also requested that the rooflights open. Their high placement made them ideal for stack ventilation, yet also presented the challenge of reach and weight. The unique shape and size of each trapezoidal Neo Rooflight influenced the feasibility of opening them in a single casement. The Rooflight Co engineered a motorised solution concealed within the frame, enabling controlled opening while keeping upward views unobstructed, maximising daylight delivery to the spaces below.
In the bedrooms, bespoke blackout blinds were developed to match the trapezoidal geometry for privacy and light control, ensuring functional versatility without compromising the design intent.
Externally, the rooflight frames were colour-matched to RAL 8004 (Brick Red) to complement the standing seam metal cladding, appearing as intentional ‘slices of red steel’ topping each pyramid. Internally, the frameless design of the Neo Rooflights maximises the viewable opening, making it appear as though the roof is open to the sky.
Natural top-lighting transforms the atmosphere of the home throughout the day. As dawn turns to dusk, shifting light patterns animate the interior, reinforcing the home’s connection to nature.
Tin House stands as a testament to how geometry, daylight and craftsmanship can shape a living environment. The rooflights were integral to realising the architect’s vision, bringing cohesion, beauty and performance to this award-winning design.
Awards
• RIBA London Award 2016 – Winner
• World Building of the Year, WAF 2016 – Shortlisted
• RIBA National House of the Year 2016 – Shortlisted
• Stephen Lawrence Prize 2016 – Shortlisted
• House of the Year, AJ Architecture Awards 2017
• Iconic Awards 2017 – Winner
• BD Architect of the Year Awards, Individual House 2017 – Shortlisted
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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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