How To Plan A Flat Roof Extension With A Roof Lantern

If you’re planning on building onto your existing property, then chances are you’ve considered a flat roof extension.

If you’re looking into one, then there’s also a chance that you’ve come across adding a roof lantern as a possibility. Roof lanterns are a great and easy way to add a creative, luxurious feel to your home extension project. The minimal design and construction of roof lanterns means they are quick and easy to install and are generally cheaper than other architectural features of this kind. 

When you’re taking the time, energy and money to carry out the extension as it is, in our opinion, adding a roof lantern has got to be the way to go. When planning your flat roof extension, consider the roof lantern as the centrepiece, and work around that

Does Your Home Have Existing Character?

Think about your homes existing features, and how you’d like to enhance them. Roof lanterns in their most basic form were first used by the Victorian’s, for orangeries, conservatories and reading room spaces. Some research has even pointed back as far as the middle ages to trace the origins of them. So, roof lanterns have a rich history of architectural enhancement. 

You can choose from a range of shapes, sizes and materials when undergoing a flat roof extension, and one that’ll really bring out the character or modernity of your home. Consider the tones, down to glass specific you’d like. That way, when planning you flat roof extension, you’re able to make sure the story is seamless, both inside and out.

Consider What You Want Out of This Project

Compared with a flat, horizontal rooflight, a roof lantern gives the impression of more space, especially when you’re working on a single-storey flat roof extension. The effect of a roof lantern can be truly transformative. If you’re after drama, a large, dark toned aluminium roof lantern can give your space a feeling of high-end elegance. If you’re after something more rustic, a warm brown wood can make the space feel timeless and cosy. 

The most popular place to install a roof lantern is in a kitchen or above a dining table, but here at Aliwood, we also love the idea of a roof lantern bringing the natural world somewhere unexpected, like a living space or TV room. Ultimately, your roof lantern is going to bring so much to your space and atmosphere that it’s quite hard to go wrong!

Enhancing Natural Light 

At Aliwood, we are big advocates of the benefits of natural light in the home. Your roof lantern, of course, will make a huge difference, but the use of ceiling to floor windows and doors can make a space feel so much more magical. Installing a set of bifold doors to your flat roof extension will ensure that you’re able to experience the power of nature with the wonderful British showers, and when summer rolls around, you’ll be the talk of your friends hosting the best parties!

Contentment and Connection

Whether placed in a flat roof extension that becomes a kitchen, orangery or living space, it brings an uplifting wow-factor to the room. As well as helping with natural light, which boosts our mood, makes a space feel bigger, and connects us to nature, roof lanterns are actually very helpful in a lot of other ways! They’re energy efficient and ensure that the light we receive from the sun is captured for transmission around your home. Not only that, with emerging technology and add-ons, you’ll be able to customise your roof lantern to your needs. For example, many lanterns now can come with blinds to reduce glare if you’re trying to catch up on Netflix below. Thermal glass and smart glass are now coming to the forefront of home design and will soon be commonplace in most providers. 

What Permissions Will You Need?

If you were adding a roof lantern onto an existing extension retroactively, then you would need planning permission. Luckily for you, when planning a flat roof extension, the roof lantern would count as part of your existing planning permission. There are exceptions to this rule, however, so we’d always recommend checking in with the Government’s Planning Portal or your local authority for specifics. It’s better to be safe (and sure) than sorry. 

If you’re looking to renovate your home, an extension with a lantern roof is the perfect way to give your home the wow factor. If you’d like some more information on the services we offer, contact us or call us on 01245 967107. We look forward to hearing from you!