Violin Factory on song with rooflights

The factory is in conservation area so slim profile of the rooflights from the Rooflight Company suited the contemporary style of the conversion whilst in keeping with the surrounding architecture.

Combining contemporary design with understated luxury, the Violin Factory is a truly stunning building hidden behind terraces in the heart of Waterloo.

The beautiful residence belongs to architect Louise McDonnell, who designed and carried out the refurbishment.

Originally a disused 650 sq m, three-storey warehouse in need of a radical makeover, one major problem faced by the design team was how to bring light into the building.

Unfortunately, the old factory was hemmed in on all sides and had no views, with a lot of light being blocked out by the other tall buildings that surround it.

Louise explains: "We wanted to introduce as much light as possible into the interior to brighten it up and to benefit from its therapeutic qualities".

Products from specialist manufacturer the Rooflight Company were selected to perform this vital function.

Louise said: "I became aware of the Rooflight Company's products through the trade press, and they seemed to offer the best solution for this project".

"The factory is in a conservation area, but we are very modern architects, so the slim profile of the rooflights suited the contemporary style of the conversion while still being in keeping with the surrounding architecture".

The building features both pitched roofs and a flat roof area, which has been transformed into a smart rooftop garden.

The flat roof is surrounded by a parapet, and is protected by single-ply waterproofing membrane, which is ballasted by square stone paving slabs and loose gravel.

A glass and aluminium 'box' sits over the stairwell leading down to the accommodation below.

At the other end of the flat roof section, 2 standard Plateau 1500 units from the Rooflight Company, each measuring 1.5 sq m, were installed by Louise's 13-strong design and build team.

They allow light to flood down into the open plan, 50 sq m master bedroom and en suite bathroom below.

Sited directly above the bed and the bath, they create a natural spotlight effect, making these into focal points.

Made from high-spec glass with a very low installed U-value (1.7W/m2K), the double glazed rooflights provide effective insulating qualities and save on electricity for lighting.

They also exceed the current requirements for Part L of the Building Regulations, as well as the weather tightness test BS6375: Part 1:1989 up to Hurricane Force 12.

With slim steel sections and silicone fronting to the glazing, the subtle profile of the rooflight sits at a mere 95mm above kerb height.

The frame features a robust 3mm steel design with protective layer and polyester powder coating, and carries a 15-year guarantee.

Easy to install, and with 10 sizes and specials available, they are suitable for any roof construction.

The company's unique, patented thermal lining, the Thermoliner, protects against potentially harmful condensation forming on the glass and creates warm-to-the-touch internal surfaces.

The rooflights are operated by synchronised electric motors, while a built-in rain sensor protects the rooms beneath.

Normally set at a slight angle to aid rainwater dispersal, Louise requested that these models be flat to allow raindrops to form on top, because of the unusual speckled effect this creates with the light as it flows into the space beneath.

Capitalising on the illumination provided by the rooflights, windows run all down one side of the bedroom, overlooking a glass-walled corridor leading to the gym.

This draws light into the core of the building.

Awarded Residential Interior Design Project of the Year by the British Institute of Interior Design (BIIDA) and Residential Project of the Year by IDFX, the dramatic conversion of a derelict Victorian factory also featured on the Channel 4 programme Grand Designs.

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