Aliwood Roof Lanterns: Light Throughout History

The team here at Aliwood have taken the time to trawl through the archives to find some of the most interesting historical window and roof structures.

It’s a basic human instinct to gravitate towards light. After all, how many people do you know who are afraid of the dark? Since the dawn of time, darkness has epitomised evil, sorrow and the unknown. As humans, we are taught to be scared of all these things. That’s why we love anything that brings us light!

Here at Aliwood, we understand the joy being in a light space can bring. We provide a range of stylish yet affordable roof lanterns to create a bright and welcoming space. Over the past 30 years, together with our sister company, we have delivered impressive roof lanterns for a wide range of properties. However, we aren’t the first people in time to adore grand, glass structures. Throughout history, there have been buildings and structures that have utilised windows in beautiful, innovative ways to maximise light.

When Were The Earliest Glass Windows Made?

The Romans were the first to discover a method for manufacturing clear glass, albeit with very poor optical capabilities. This dates back to the 1st century AD. However, the difficulty of its production and the money required to produce it meant that this sort of glass was only used in exceptionally important buildings. Clear glass continued to be produced in this manner until the 11th century AD, in which two new methods were produced. These methods then again remained unchanged until the 17th century, when the clarity and quality of the glass being produced started to improve; it was from this point that we started to use glass more similar to that used in Aliwood’s roof lanterns.

What About The First Roof Lanterns?

Although they may not have had windows fitted, the first structures akin to today’s roof lanterns were oculi, small circular openings admitting light into the top of dome structures dating back as far as the Byzantine era. After that came the cupola in the Renaissance era, which was like the oculus but more weatherproof. More traditional roof lanterns were also found in Renaissance architecture, such as in cathedrals; these involved the more standard masonry and glass. The subsequent progression, after that, was the orangery.

Windows Bring… Tourism?

Now, tourism isn’t the first word we think of here at Aliwood when we think of windows and roof lanterns. But that’s exactly what the windows bring at The Eden Project, in Cornwall. The now world-famous biomes are formed almost entirely of hexagonal window structures that flood the interiors with light and warmth, creating a tropical environment in the process. If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, then The South Rose Window at Notre Dame, in Paris, is a safe bet. This circular piece of architectural brilliance comprises sheets of stained glass in various brilliant colours. This window remains one of the best features of this highly historic cathedral.

The Orangery

If Aliwood’s roof lanterns were to have a parent, it would be the orangery. Orangeries are extensions to a home constructed of timber, windows and masonry, and admit a huge amount of natural light into a home. Roof lanterns provide a similar sort of effect to orangeries, but can be added to existing rooms as opposed to the need for a whole new extension. Whilst orangeries were traditionally a preserve of the rich and wealthy, roof lanterns are a far more accessible option!

Aliwood roof lanterns have certainly drawn their inspiration from a great number of sources through history, but one thing remains for sure, they look fantastic. If you’d like to find out more about our roof lights, then get in touch! Call us on 01245 967107.