A kitchen extension with two opening rooflights
Sebastian and Miriam replaced two static rooflights in their London kitchen extension with VELUX opening roof windows. The result is a bright, airy space with natural ventilation, improved comfort, and a stronger connection to the garden.
From fixed glass to fresh air: a kitchen transformed
The position and functionality of the existing roof windows in the kitchen didn’t fit the family’s needs. The room became hot during the summer months and because of nearby foxes, they couldn’t safely leave their facade windows open without worrying about inviting unwanted visitors into the home.
’We moved here in the middle of winter,’ Miriam explained, ‘So we didn’t understand how hot it became inside over the summer months. We needed ventilation to cool it during summer. We chose to replace the rooflights, as the existing ones were static and didn’t open to allow ventilation.’
Ventilation is vital in the open-plan kitchen/living room, where this couple are passionate cooks. Humid air and cooking odours are a thing of the past when the windows can be open to let in fresh air. Because the kitchen, dining area, and living room are all connected, this air circulation is essential and a great way to improve indoor air quality.
Keeping the indoor climate comfortable is even more important when the family are entertaining, using the space for cooking whilst chatting with family and friends.
Sebastian says that the replacement roof windows have truly met their needs: “VELUX offered bespoke windows that could open, and when you’re away, if it rains, they close”. This is thanks to the smart home solution that includes a rain sensor. The rooflight opens and closes at the simple touch of a button.
An incomparable difference
The impact of the new rooflights has been remarkable, as Miriam explains. ‘The contrast between a fixed roof window and one that opens is incomparable. - Cooking smells are released very quickly, you can cool the room down and it never gets too hot in here. It’s not just a bit of glass in the roof, it’s a bit of tech that you can use and integrate into your life. The two roof windows have really impacted the amount of fresh air we get in the room.’
‘I get up for work very early, about 6am. Before having these windows, the room was just hot, and you could feel the lack of air. Now when I come down, the window has been opened, and it makes a difference’.
‘It’s made the whole house cool. We now have a movement of air throughout the house that we didn’t have before. I think it’s a lovely way to be connected to the outside - you see the seasons change, you can watch the roof splatter with raindrops - my daughter loves watching that when it happens. The bifold doors plus rooflights really make this an integrated room with the garden. You have a bit of the outdoors inside.’
