COMPLIANCE AND CELEBRATION
I’m going to ignore what’s going on in the world right now. You all know where you can access this kind of news, and it’s not here. And so, it is with a light heart that we deliver a positive edition of Daylighting...focusing on compliance and celebration.
First up. Congratulations to Hambleside Danelaw! The roofing product manufacturer provides a snapshot of ‘50 years of Innovation’ with superb stats and nostalgic references as it celebrates its 50th anniversary (pg. 11).
Meanwhile, TuffX is looking to the future with the launch of its new apprenticeship programme (pg. 10), as is the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) with the appointment of Tim Simmons as CEO.
Change is also in the air for Keylite as it strengthens its rooflight offer after acquiring Whitesales’ flat glass product lines (pg. 7) - a move which will help accelerate a multi-million-pound growth strategy for the roof window company.
With increasing emphasis on compliance, competency and responsibility, it’s unsurprising that we’re featuring several items on these topics. The Rooflight Association offers its updated Quick Guide 06 ‘to help industry stakeholders navigate key compliance checkpoints’ (pg. 9) and QUALICOAT UK & Ireland (a first-time contributor!) has published the 26th edition of the QUALICOAT Specifications – important news for those working with powder coated aluminium (pg. 8).
Sticking with the aluminium theme. Lauren Walker, MD at Aluminium Fire Systems explains why ‘daylighting and fire safety can absolutely work together’ in a welldesigned façade system (pgs. 16-17).
This issue our cover star is Brett Martin - read about the striking rooflight lighting up one of the largest student accommodation schemes in Belfast (pg. 6). Speaking of commercial installations – Velux Commercial explores the difference between commercial roof glazing and residential installations (pgs. 14-15).
Enjoy!
Until next time...
THE ROOFLIGHT ASSOCIATION promotes laminated glass as first choice for safety in overhead glazing
The Rooflight Association is recommending the first choice for the inner pane of a rooflight should always be a laminated glass, unless a stringent risk assessment shows that a toughened inner pane does not pose any additional risk to those below the rooflights.
This recommendation follows examples of rooflights with a double glazed unit using a toughened inner pane shattering, spontaneously.
This can happen when small inclusions (invisible flaws) cause the pane to shatter, usually into small dice, but it may also fall in clumps which may cause injury or damage to people, pets and property, below.
The use of a laminated inner pane minimises the risk of any glass falling into the room beneath and potentially causing injury, if the inner pane should break.
This recommendation is outlined in The Rooflight Association’s technical guidance: Document NTD14 Glass Rooflights – Specification Guide, which is free to download via www.rooflightassociation.org.
To raise awareness of this safety guidance, relevant Rooflight Association members are encouraged to use the campaign logo in all related communications and promotional activities.
The aim is for this message to reach builders, installers and ultimately, homeowners, and member use of the campaign logo will help achieve that.
Educate and Act
The Rooflight Association’s Technical Chair, Paul Smith, explains more: “Statistically, the likelihood of a spontaneous explosion is low for heat soak tested toughened glass, but it is a risk. We have seen footage of these incidents and witnessed the aftermath, and it’s scary. Fortunately, we are not aware of any serious damage or injury, but there have been near misses.
As the voice of the UK’s rooflight industry, we must educate the supply chain to minimise this risk and promote good practice.
“Until a laminated inner pane is made a requirement in Building Regulations guidance – ideally, within Approved Document K, we are encouraging builders, roofing contractors, rooflight installers and home improvement companies to study the guidance, understand the risk and share this information with homeowners. Only then can they make an informed decision.”
British Standards
The association recognises that this recommendation is currently beyond British Standards which state that inner panes must always be laminated wherever rooflights are more than 5 metres above floor level or are located over water (e.g., swimming pools).
Toughened inner panes can be used in certain circumstances and locations, subject to satisfactory risk assessment.
The Rooflight Association is in favour of British Standards being updated to remove the option for monolithic toughened glass to be used for the inner pane of any overhead glazing, irrespective of height or location (except for over restricted spaces that are only accessed for maintenance and where additional safety precautions are in place to mitigate the risk).
Lobbying Government
To drive positive change, The Rooflight Association is lobbying Government regarding overhead glazing safety and safety for building users and is in communication with the Health & Safety Executive.
Until the option for toughened inner panes in overhead glazing is removed from British Standards and/ or prohibited via Approved Document K, Rooflight Association members that offer glass rooflights without a laminated inner pane will always make the associated risks and responsibilities clear in their literature and quotations and will request that customers, including builders and rooflight installers acknowledge those risks and responsibilities before supplying such products.
www.rooflightassociation.org
Daylighting Magazine
Constructive Media Ltd
Hornbeam Suite, Mamhilad House, Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool, NP4 0HZ
Tel: +44 (0)1495 239 962
WEBSITE www.daylightingmag.co.uk
EDITOR
Tel: +44 (0)1495 239 962 SALES
SHED NATURAL LIGHT ON STUDENT LIFE with Brett Martin’s Glass Link
Student Roost’s impressive new Nelson Place complex is home to 774 student accommodation and state-of-the-art sports centre and wellbeing facilities –making it one of the largest student accommodation schemes in Belfast spanning 12 storeys and covering 245,000 sq ft.
Brett Martin supplied a striking Glass Link rooflight system installed above the central hallway that connects the communal area and facility entrance. This rooflight consisted of a continuous run of 20 fixed modules.
Chosen for its slimline frame and exceptional span capabilities, Brett Martin’s Glass Link rooflight allows daylight to flood into the internal spaces below. This not only enhances the architectural appeal of the building but also delivers practical benefits in an educational environment – from boosting concentration and productivity to promoting mental wellbeing, which is the focus of the building design.
Location
Belfast
Product
Glass Link
Quantity
20 module unit, Clear 6mm
Roofing Contractor
Tandragee Roofing
Main Contractor Grahams
KEYLITE STRENGTHENS ROOFLIGHT OFFER with Whitesales product acquisition
Keylite
acquires Whitesales Em.glaze and Ray.lux flat glass rooflight range and enters strategic merchant channel partnership for the Em.dome
Keylite Roof Windows (‘Keylite’), part of The Keystone Group, has acquired the Em.glaze and Ray. lux flat glass rooflight ranges from Whitesales Ltd., as part of a multimillionpound growth strategy for the company.
This move brings Whitesales’ flagship flat glass product lines into Keylite’s rapidly expanding portfolio of roof glazing solutions, further strengthening its offering across both pitched and flat roof applications.
Alongside their own range, Keylite has been the largest reseller for the supply-only flat roof windows part of the Whitesales’ business for the past 14 years.
The purchase of this part of the business will enable greater operational efficiencies for both Keylite and Whitesales, as well as a simplified supply chain for customers.
In parallel to the acquisition, Whitesales and Keylite have agreed a strategic partnership under which Keylite will take over the servicing of Whitesales’ merchant reseller customer base, including major roofing merchants, builders’ merchants and online resellers.
This gives merchants a single ordering point through Keylite while maintaining existing products, pricing structures and service standards. The management teams of both businesses have worked together to ensure that this will be a seamless transition for customers, to the point that the same products, with the same names and prices, and the same level of exceptional service that Whitesales is recognised for, will be available to them and promoted by Keylite’s
strong nationwide field sales team, whose reputation for exceptional customer support only promises further enhanced service levels for these customers.
Moving forward, Whitesales will focus on its bespoke roof glazing systems and concepttocompletion service model. In addition, Whitesales Em.dome range will continue to be fulfilled by Whitesales but for merchant customers, ordered through Keylite under this new partnership arrangement.
Jim Blanthorne, Managing Director at Keylite, said: “Discussions between Keylite and Whitesales regarding an acquisition have been ongoing for several years.
It was essential for both businesses that such a move occurred at the right time and for the benefit of both our customers. Having had a long-standing relationship, we understand customer service the Whitesales way, and we are committed to ensuring that this continues.
“Our aim is not to change what Whitesales has done but to strengthen it. By bringing the supply-only flat roof windows part of the business into Keylite, we simplify the supply chain and improve operational efficiency, enabling us to be faster, more agile and responsive to customer needs, while remaining focused on delivering the same quality and care as before.
“The acquisition will help accelerate a multi-million-pound growth strategy for Keylite, enhancing and expanding our manufacturing capabilities. For customers, that translates into greater availability of
stock, faster lead times and even better technical expertise.”
Whitesales has more than 30 years of expertise in the design, manufacture, installation and distribution of rooflights, overhead roof glazing and bespoke daylighting solutions for commercial and domestic markets.
Chester White, Managing Director at Whitesales, said: “We saw in Keylite a business that truly reflects our own values. This is a family-owned, well-managed, high-performing business with deep, established customer relationships and a clear commitment to operating with integrity. Much like Whitesales, the team at Keylite takes real pride in providing innovative, high-quality roof light solutions to its customers, matched by a superior level of customer service. This was paramount to the Whitesales team when agreeing on the sale.
“This part of the business (supplyonly flat roof windows) has the backing of the whole Keylite machine, and the customer experience will only get better.
Though the acquisition has taken place, it is very much business as usual, with very little difference in day-to-day activity for customers – a significant amount of effort has gone into maintaining the status quo from products, pricing and warranties to customer contacts and service levels.
“Ultimately, this acquisition marks a step towards both businesses becoming stronger, more resilient and capable, which our customers can rely on today and into the future.”
www.keyliteroofwindows.com
QUALICOAT SET BENCHMARK for aluminum finishing
QUALICOAT UK & Ireland has published the 26th Edition of the QUALICOAT Specifications, establishing the latest international benchmark for aluminium finishing quality and compliance.
Presented across three volumes, the updated Specifications contain essential guidance for organisations seeking to obtain and retain the QUALICOAT quality label.
While the specifications apply directly to powder coaters, chemical pretreatment manufacturers and powder manufacturers, QUALICOAT is also calling on architects, specifiers, contractors and aluminium systems houses to ensure their supply chains are working to the latest edition. Clear and accurate referencing of QUALICOAT Specifications – 26th Edition within project documentation is also recommended.
The 26th Edition of the QUALICOAT Specifications is now in force.
It is a controlled document and is available via QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Secretariat, Jan Lukaszewski.
Download the summary document via qualicoat.net/main/specifications.
KORNICHE FLATLITE
Premium Performance, Sensibly Priced
A smart, stylish rooflight designed to deliver outstanding performance at a more accessible price point.
FlatLite is the first Korniche product to be offered exclusively in set sizes. Why? Because standardisation allows us to manufacture more efficiently, reduce waste, and pass those savings directly on to you.
The result is a truly budget-friendly rooflight that fits perfectly into your build or renovation project, without compromising on quality, security or design.
The Korniche FlatLite is designed to maximise daylight in both homes and light commercial spaces. Whether you’re transforming a kitchen extension, brightening a living area, or enhancing a workspace, FlatLite brings in generous natural light, without the premium price tag often associated with rooflights.
Every detail has been engineered with cost-efficiency in mind, while still delivering the performance and reliability the Korniche brand is known for.
The Korniche FlatLite is designed and manufactured in the UK, using precision engineering and robust materials you can rely on.
It’s the most cost-effective rooflight in our range, finished with a sleek aluminium trim for a clean, contemporary look.
www.korniche.co.uk
THE ROOFLIGHT ASSOCIATION Updates Quick Guide to strengthen compliance across the supply chain
The Rooflight Association has updated its Quick Guide 06 to help industry stakeholders confidently navigate key compliance checkpoints on rooflight projects. This follows increased pressure to demonstrate regulatory compliance and ensure solutions meet modern performance demands.
The document highlights key requirements for Fire Safety, Thermal Performance, Daylighting, Non-Fragility, Security, and new for 2026 – Requirements under the Construction Products Regulations, and signposts associated guidance for further reading.
What’s New in Quick Guide 06 Fire Safety guidance has been updated to reflect the relevant changes to the Building Regulations for rooflights.
The Requirements for Thermal Performance now reference the methods of the BRE 443 document and industry-accepted standards ACR[M]001 and CWCT TN67 have been added to the Rooflights and Non-Fragility section.
Most notable are the addition of Requirements under the Construction Products Regulations which lists the applicable harmonised standards for rooflight products.
Details from the association’s ‘The Benefits of Rooflights for the Daylighting of Buildings’ white paper have been added to the Requirements for Daylighting.
These updates align with current regulations and reduce ambiguity which support improved decision-making and help to reduce design risk and approval delays.
www.rooflightassociation.org/compliance/
SELECT WINDOWS DIVERSIFIES by adding Sheerline aluminium
Sheerline is delighted to announce Select Windows (Select) has become one of its newest fabricator partners.
The longstanding PVCu supplier has opted to diversify its existing product offering by adding Sheerline’s awardwinning aluminium range.
The company is re-entering the aluminium market after leaving it in 1986, which highlights how innovative products and reliable service have transformed the aluminium side of the fenestration industry.
There were several reasons Select opted for the Sheerline system. In part, it was because of the longstanding relationship between members of Select’s and Sheerline’s senior management. Roger Hartshorn and his team previously helped the company achieve consistent, sustainable growth.
This led to a relationship built on trust, aligned values, and a shared vision.
This experience, coupled with a visit to FIT Show 2025, gave Select the confidence to become a Sheerline fabricator partner.
The company decided it was time to diversify as there had been a steady increase in aluminium window enquiries. Although they had the option to buy in from other companies, fabricating in-house provides full oversight and more control.
But for Select, it isn’t simply about adding aluminium. They’re investing to future-proof the company by increasing capacity so they can meet demand for a growing sector of the market.
To find out more about Select Windows, visit the website www.sheerline.com
TUFFX DRIVES OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE through a new apprenticeship programme
As part of its ongoing investment in people and manufacturing excellence, TuffX, the UK’s leading glass manufacturer and glass processor, has launched a new Lean Manufacturing and Glass Processing Apprenticeship programme.
Following an internal recruitment process, ten new team members have been enrolled on the fully funded Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship, combined with a Glass Processing NVQ.
The programme will be delivered entirely on-site at TuffX’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Knowsley, Merseyside, in partnership with Glass and Fenestration Training Solutions Ltd - the UK’s leading glazing industry training provider. The apprentices will remain in their current roles while gaining industry-recognised qualifications and hands-on experience across the entire glass processing workflow.
Throughout the apprenticeship, participants will hone their practical expertise in cutting, edging, drilling, polishing and tempering while also developing a strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing. These principles will then be applied directly on the factory floor to improve efficiency, quality and safety, while reducing waste and downtime. The programme also places a strong emphasis on the manufacturer’s robust quality assurance processes and focus on manufacturing talent to support the business’s continued growth.
Commenting on the launch, Tom Hood, Managing Director at TuffX, said: “Investing in people is fundamental to the future of our business and the wider glazing industry.
This new apprenticeship allows us to develop skilled, efficient operators in a real manufacturing environment while embedding Lean Manufacturing principles, which drive quality, safety and performance.
“We’re really pleased that so many of our existing team members wanted to enhance their skills and we hope to recruit our second cohort of apprentices in mid-2026. They join colleagues across other segments of the business who are already demonstrating the personal and professional benefits of apprenticeships.”
For further information about TuffX, visit tuffxglass.co.uk
GGF GROUP NAMES NEW CEO
The GGF Group has appointed Tim Simmons as its new CEO.
Taking over the top job within the GGF from John Agnew who retired from the role last month, Tim brings extensive experience in organisational transformation to the post. This includes leading organisational change within a diverse range of businesses spanning private equity, listed and family-owned companies.
Commenting on his appointment, he said that the GGF was going through a period of ‘exciting change’ as it adapted to new challenges and opportunities.
“The construction and building products sectors are going through rapid change as industry adjusts to new regulation, environmental, operational and commercial change”, he said.
“The glass and glazing sectors are pivotal in supporting that journey and in the creation of sustainable, safe, secure and inspiring spaces from individual homes to high-rises.
“We need to play to established strengths, including our technical expertise, our reach with government and the passion of our people. At the same time, we must also continue to evolve to ensure that we are agile and structured to deliver even more for our members.”
For more information about the GGF and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.ggf.org.uk or call 0207 939 9100.
Left to right: Neil Joyce, Tom Hood (Managing Director), Steve O’Shaughnessy, Ty Aughey-Smith, Gary Hughes (Operations Director), Joe O’Rourke, Akhil Mohanan and Callum Hemming
Hambleside Danelaw’s Heritage
50 YEARS OF INNOVATION
In 2024 Hambleside Danelaw sold 2,562,469 products, the majority of which were manufactured at their purpose-built facility.
These products stocked shelves at 1,893 suppliers, lit up warehouses and industrial spaces with natural daylight, and waterproofed flat roofs installed by one of 81 approved contractors. For half a century, Hambleside Danelaw have been raising the roof, and they are looking forward to the next fifty years.
2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the roofing products manufacturer, and this article breaks down some of the key achievements in that time.
1970s: Lava lamps, punk, and the start of Hambleside Danelaw Hambleside Danelaw was initially incorporated on the 30th March 1976. It was a Tuesday, and ‘Save Your Kisses For Me’ by Brotherhood of Man was #1 in the charts after winning Eurovision. Hambleside Danelaw owned a patent for a combined fascia, soffit and guttering unit made from GRP which was manufactured by hand, using the traditional bucket and brush method.
In 1978, Hambleside Danelaw helped develop and started using an automated GRP manufacturing process through continuous profiling producing a range of pitched roof flashings and rooflights, a process still being used today.
1980s: Hairspray, shoulder pads, and BBA certification
The company introduced roofing trims to their range, and Danelaw flashings were granted a multiproduct BBA certificate in 1987.
1990s: The internet, Dolly the sheep, and the original Valley Trough
In 1993, Hambleside Danelaw started training and approving contractors to use Dryseal: a component based pre-cured GRP membrane flat roofing system awarded BBA Agrément certification in 1995. In 1997 Hambleside Danelaw designed and patented the Dry Fix Valley Trough. 1998 saw the launch of the first advanced composite rooflight sheets with high strength to weight ratios and high tear resistance. The same year, a unique plain tile vent, the TV10/5, was brought to market.
All three products remain available today, with the valley trough the company’s top selling product.
2000s: National Treasure, The Sims, and Rooflights
Another big decade, with the release of the bestselling ridge kit CON6+ Dry Fix Ventilated Ridge & Hip system, known for its patented self-sealing flexible gasket. Hambleside Danelaw also designed and started manufacturing preformed verge systems, dry fix bonding gutters, and Zenon Low Carbon Rooflights.
In 2006, Hambleside Danelaw won a Green Apple Award, and the Queen’s Innovation Award for the unique rooflight Insulator product.
2010s: Boy Bands, Shutter Shades, and Tile Vents
The 2010s saw the introduction of Hambleside Danelaw’s underlay range, interlocking dry fix verge systems and plain tile slip vents together with growing ranges of tile vents, individual soakers and additional GRP flashing options.
Right here, right now.
So far, the 2020s has been a whirlwind, starting off with a global pandemic where the impact is still being felt today.
They have continued to evidence their commitment to increasing sustainability, with a platinum award from EcoVadis, five EPDs (with more in the pipeline) and a robust research and development process.
It's been an excellent opening chapter for the company, and as one of the few remaining independent British manufacturers, the future looks bright for Hambleside Danelaw.
Learn more about Hambleside Danelaw at: hambleside-danelaw.co.uk
HOWELLS RETAINS PAS24 FOR TWO ROOFLIGHTS
Howells Patent Glazing is proud to announce that its Ultraline flat rooflight and double-hipped rooflight have successfully retained PAS 24:2022 certification, reaffirming their compliance with the UK’s most rigorous enhanced security standard.
Awarded by UL Solutions, this accreditation assures specifiers, contractors and installers that these rooflights deliver proven resistance against forced entry and can withstand an opportunistic burglar, meeting the highest security requirements under current building regulations. PAS 24 is the most commonly used standard to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document Q and is also a core requirement of Secured by Design.
Performance is proven through a series of independent tests. Products are evaluated for both security and weathertightness (BS 6375-1:2009). Methods include a manual attack, mechanical loading and impact tests.
Commenting on the achievement, Sales Director for Howells Patent Glazing, Gary Howells, said: “PAS 24 gives us a clear commercial advantage and we are pleased to extend this to our customers.
With more than 50 years’ industry experience, we are considered one of the country’s leading manufacturers of aluminium overhead glazing solutions.
Customers and specifiers know that our products are fit-for-purpose and trust that they will help deliver compliant, high-quality new build and refurbishment projects.”
The two certified rooflights are proven favourites for residential projects.
Demand for the double-hipped rooflight has soared over the past decade as homeowners create spaces better suited to modern living. The aluminium rooflight delivers high-impact daylight for extensions and is supplied direct to trade.
Designed to maximise daylight, Ultraline, meanwhile, gives architects and specifiers the freedom to specify larger expanses of glass.
Glass rafters (fins) reinforce each joint without breaking the sightlines. The low-pitch aluminium rooflight is discreet, typically measuring 2.4 metres x 1.2 metres, ideal for threeto four-metre house extensions.
Installers also benefit from a preassembly service. Rooflights under 5 metres x 2 metres can be delivered unglazed and preassembled direct to site in an unmarked vehicle; larger units are supplied in sections.
With early morning drop-offs, Ultraline can be installed in a single day.
Howells offers a national supply only and supply and fit service which includes site surveys, full drawings and installation.
To benefit from this and maximise opportunities for PAS 24 products, call 01384 820060 or visit:
www.howellsglazing.co.uk
Having recognised the challenges faced by designers and specifiers when selecting the best performing rooflights, we have simplified the process. By creating two comprehensive system approaches for Zenon, we have aligned key performance considerations to suit the needs of individual projects, making choosing Zenon easier than ever.
WHY YOU CAN'T BRING A Residential Approach to Commercial Roofs
In recent years, the design language of residential architecture has increasingly influenced commercial projects. Clean rooflines, expansive daylight openings and sleek glazing systems are now being specified for offices, schools, healthcare buildings and industrial facilities. While the aesthetic crossover is understandable, the installation mindset should not follow the same path.
The reality is simple: commercial roofs operate in a completely different environment from residential ones. Applying residential installation thinking to commercial roof glazing can lead to inefficiencies, compliance issues and long-term maintenance challenges. When specifying rooflight systems for commercial buildings, designers and contractors must consider factors that go far beyond what is typical in domestic construction.
This is where experience becomes essential. With expertise in commercial rooflights, VELUX Commercial understands that successful daylight solutions require more than just a high-quality product, they demand a holistic approach to design, installation and long-term performance.
The VELUX Commercial product portfolio is developed specifically to address the realities of commercial roofing, paying close attention to the details that make installations reliable, safe and efficient over the building’s lifecycle.
The Role of Upstands: More Than Just a Detail One of the most significant differences lies in the use of upstands. In residential settings, roof windows are often installed directly into pitched roofs with integrated flashing systems.
Commercial roofs, however, are frequently flat or low-pitched and rely on raised upstands to protect the roof build-up and ensure proper drainage.
Upstands are not simply structural supports for rooflights; they form part of the waterproofing strategy. Their height, insulation and integration with the roofing membrane are critical to preventing water ingress and thermal bridging. Treating them as an afterthought can compromise the entire roof assembly.
Safety and Access Requirements
Another area where residential approaches fall short is roof access and safety planning. Residential roof windows are typically installed in environments with limited maintenance access and relatively low foot traffic. Commercial roofs, by contrast, are working surfaces.
Facility managers may require safe access routes for cleaning, inspection and servicing of mechanical equipment. Guardrails, walkways and fall-protection systems often need to be incorporated into the roof design. Rooflights must therefore be positioned with safety in mind, ensuring they do not obstruct maintenance routes or create hazards for personnel.
Installation Sequencing Matters
In residential construction, roof windows are usually installed within a straightforward building sequence involving the roofer and possibly the window installer. Commercial projects involve far more complex coordination between trades.
Rooflights may be installed alongside vapour control layers, insulation systems, waterproof membranes and mechanical plant installations. The timing of installation, particularly when prefabricated upstands or modular rooflight systems are used, must be carefully planned to avoid delays or rework.
Maintenance Expectations Over Decades
Perhaps the biggest difference between residential and commercial applications is the expected lifecycle. While homeowners may replace or refurbish elements over time, commercial building owners typically expect roof systems to perform reliably for decades with minimal disruption.
This places greater emphasis on durability, serviceability and longterm maintenance planning.
Rooflights must be designed for easy inspection, safe cleaning and reliable performance under heavy weather exposure.
Commercial Thinking for Commercial Results
The growing popularity of roof glazing in commercial architecture is a positive trend. Natural daylight
improves occupant wellbeing, enhances visual comfort and can support energy efficiency goals. However, achieving these benefits requires more than simply specifying a product designed for the commercial sector. It requires a commercial approach to design, installation and lifecycle management.
With deep expertise in commercial rooflights, VELUX Commercial works closely with designers and contractors to ensure daylight solutions support both architectural ambitions, and operational safety, that truly meet the demands of commercial roofs.
Because when it comes to commercial buildings, even commercial products need commercial thinking.
www.commercial.velux.co.uk
BRIDGING THE GAP How to Maximise Daylight Without Compromising Fire Safety
By Lauren Walker, Managing Director at Aluminium Fire Systems (AFS)
Anyone working in daylighting understands the transformative power of natural light. A well-designed façade can completely change the feel of a space. It influences comfort, wellbeing, and the overall experience of a building.
But as facades become more ambitious, a familiar challenge appears. How do you deliver openness, transparency, and strong energy performance without clashing with fire safety requirements?
Fire-rated systems are often viewed as the part of the process that restricts creativity. Slim frames, large, glazed areas, and minimal sightlines are key to daylighting design, but they do not always sit comfortably with the fixed technical parameters of certified fire-safe products. It can seem as if daylighting and fire safety work against each other.
In reality, they only conflict when each discipline works alone. When architects, daylight consultants, fire engineers, and specialist fabricators collaborate early, the design becomes easier to achieve and far less likely to require expensive corrections later. The goal is not to choose between daylight and safety. It is to create a facade that supports both without compromise.
Where daylight aspirations meet fire safety realities
Daylighting design normally begins with the experience. You think about brightness, connection to the outdoors, glass performance, transmission values, and frame depth. The aim is to enhance how people feel inside the building.
Fire-rated products operate within a different set of rules; they come with:
• Strict maximum sizes
• Exact glazing and hardware combinations
• Fixed profile dimensions
• Installation procedures that cannot be adjusted on site
A concept drawing with extremely slender mullions or a very large opening may look beautiful; however, if it sits outside the limits of test evidence, it simply cannot be delivered. This is where latestage design conflicts appear. Not because the daylighting aim was unrealistic, but because fire safety requirements were not involved early enough.
Why early collaboration matters
The daylight-rich facades that succeed most often have one thing in common. The specialist fabricator was involved before core design decisions were finalised.
Early collaboration provides designers with:
• Clear guidance on glazing formats that work for daylighting and fire safety
• Realistic expectations around maximum spans for glass and frames
• Early visibility of interface details that may influence daylighting outcomes
• Practical solutions that maintain slender sightlines within certified boundaries
This avoids the common problem of discovering late in the programme that an opening must be reduced or that a frame needs to be deeper than originally drawn.
For daylighting specialists, early clarity protects the visual and performance goals of the design.
Certification as a design safeguard
Daylighting professionals naturally focus on the movement of light, the impact of glazing, and the comfort of occupants.
Certification can appear to be an administrative hurdle, but it actually protects the design intent.
When a fire rated system is manufactured and installed exactly as tested and certified, you gain:
• Predictable behaviour in a fire
• Confidence that slender glazed areas will perform safely
• Assurance that compartmentation remains intact even with generous transparency
• Compliance that holds up under increasing regulatory scrutiny
Issues arise when assumptions are made instead of relying on evidence. This can happen when teams attempt to stretch sizes, change hardware or adjust profiles beyond the tested limits.
Certification removes this risk and ensures that the facade drawn on paper is the one that appears on site.
What complex projects show us
Across new build and refurbishment projects, the same pattern appears again and again. Daylighting and fire safety goals align best when:
1. Daylighting priorities are defined early, including glazing percentages and target light levels.
2. Fire engineers outline compartmentation strategies from the start.
3. Fabricators match those aims to certified systems instead of retrofitting compliance later.
4. All disciplines openly share information and respect each other’s expertise.
When this happens, the end result is a facade with strong natural light, fewer site complications and a design that stays consistent from concept to installation.
A shift already taking place in the industry Regulations continue to tighten, expectations around accountability continue to grow and human centred design is becoming more important each year.
Neither fire safety nor daylighting is going anywhere. The only realistic approach is one that integrates both from the earliest design stages. For daylighting professionals, the opportunity is clear. Fire performance should be treated as part of the creative process, not an opposing force. When collaboration begins early, buildings become brighter, safer, and more faithful to the intentions of the entire design team.
Daylight and fire safety can absolutely work together. The key is to consider both from the start rather than trying to reconcile them later.
Lauren Walker is the Managing Director of Aluminium Fire Systems (AFS), a fast-growing, employeeowned fire safety business based in the West Midlands. With over 15 years of leadership experience spanning engineering, operations, and project management, including expertise in the fenestration industry, Lauren is recognised for her people-first approach, commercial focus, and passion for
building resilient, values-driven businesses in traditionally maledominated industries.
Before joining AFS, she held senior roles at Performance Window Fabrications, Jaguar Land Rover, and Unipart, where she led operational transformation and built high-performing teams. Since stepping into the MD role at AFS, Lauren has overseen a company rebrand, secured top-tier clients, enhanced delivery performance, and fostered a collaborative culture where every employee feels valued, from the factory floor to the office.
Seattle Central Library
In this regular feature we indulge ourselves and our readers with images of daylighting projects throughout the years that simply deserve a double page photograph...
The Seattle Central Library was completed and opened in 2004. It was designed by Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA as part of a major redevelopment of Seattle’s public library system.
It uses a faceted glass-andsteel façade to maximize natural daylight throughout the building.
The transparent skin and large atrium spaces allow diffuse light to penetrate deep into reading areas, reducing reliance on artificial lighting while creating bright, open spaces that support comfortable study and circulation.
Atrium with link bridges ©Nigel Young / Foster + Partners
YOUR HOME your design, your build
The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) is the UK'S only permanent venue for independent homebuilding advice & support.
Established in 2007, we have helped a quarter of a million visitors build their own dream home or extend and improve existing properties.
Located on J16 of the M4, Swindon, our unique venue, covering 67,000ft2, features several full-size houses, interactive educational zones – incorporating many life-size exhibits – and a huge ‘Trade Village’ with over 200 specialist exhibitors, showcasing the very best products and technologies.
Experts on our free helpdesk (staffed Wednesday to Sunday) are here to discuss visitors plans and ideas, share their experience, and signpost people to relevant professionals and suppliers who can help make their project a success.
Aside from being open six days a week, we produce a full calendar of shows, themed workshops and courses covering key topics, from plot finding and planning to funding and heating options.
We run several ‘eco’ events including our popular Eco Workshops and our Passivhaus Workshop’s produced in partnership with the Passivhaus Trust.
The NSBRC was named Wiltshire’s small business of the year in 2017 and in the same year won a Build It award for Outstanding Contribution to Self Build. In 2021 we won the Employee Ownership Association’s award for Business Resilience following our response to the pandemic.
We believe people deserve better, sustainable homes. We help achieve this by delivering our three key promises:
• We’ll inspire you by showcasing the very best building methods, trends and technologies.
• We’ll inform you with our range of shows, workshops, courses and educational tours.
• We’ll always offer impartial advice you can trust.
Did you know?
In November 2014 a new company was formed to operate the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. This business (The Homebuilding Centre Limited) is employee owned. Our team of employee-owners have a genuine stake in the business via our ‘hybrid’ ownership model.
We have a combination of shares held by our Employee Ownership Trust (our largest share-holder), direct share-holders (all held by employees) and a Share Incentive Plan.
This model allows us to reward our team well, and to share part of our profit if we collectively feel we want to. More importantly, perhaps, the culture that employee-ownership inevitably brings, allows us to work
with openness and transparency, sharing ideas and feedback in a caring environment. We are passionate about providing the best experience for our visitors, exhibitors and conferencing guests.
We were thrilled to receive our 500th Google review in April 2023, and we are currently averaging a score of 4.7/5, which we hope reflects the experience that people enjoy with us.
The NSBRC is open six days a week for visitors. Our standard opening hours are: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 17:30pm • Sunday: 10:00am - 16:30pm • www.nsbrc.co.uk
KORNICHE LIVE! –SEE
US AT THE HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOWS 2026
This year, Korniche will be appearing at Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the UK, giving you the chance to see their latest products in person, meet the team, and discover what homeowners across the country are planning for their next projects.
Whether you’re a builder, installer, fabricator, or trade business, these shows are a fantastic opportunity to stay ahead of the latest trends and see what your customers are actively looking for.
Where to Find Korniche in 2026
We’ll be attending the following Homebuilding & Renovating Shows:
Glasgow Homebuilding & Renovating Show SEC, Glasgow 9th – 11th May
London Homebuilding & Renovating Show ExCeL, London 18th – 20th September
Northern Homebuilding & Renovating Show Harrogate Convention Centre 30th October –1st November
Across the year, these shows bring together thousands of homeowners, self-builders, renovators, and industry professionals, all looking for ideas, products, and expertise to help them build their dream homes.
www.korniche.co.uk/events
THE ROOFLIGHT ASSOCIATION
CONFIRMED AS OFFICIAL PARTNER OF UK CONSTRUCTION WEEK LONDON 2026
The Rooflight Association is pleased to be an official partner of UK Construction Week (UKCW) London 2026, at Excel London from 12th – 14th May 2026.
The trade organisation is working with UKCW to promote good practice and improve safety and standards across the roofing sector and raise awareness of the environmental and societal benefits of rooflights and daylighting.
This year, UK Construction Week has joined forces with Futurebuild to establish a new national platform for the built environment at Excel London. Together, they will host the UK’s ultimate built environment event, uniting over 25,000 industry professionals, 600+ exhibitors and 700+ speakers across 14 dedicated stages, under one roof.
Sam Patel, Divisional Director, commented: “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving standards, encouraging innovation and enabling informed decision-making across the built environment. As the drive for energy efficiency, natural daylight, ventilation and building safety continues, high-quality rooflight design and specification are more important than ever. Through education, testing and advocacy, The Rooflight Association supports specifiers, contractors and manufacturers in delivering compliant, high-performing solutions. We encourage you to visit the Association on stand N1 to connect with the team.”
“We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with UK Construction Week London,” comments, Mark Wilcox, Chair of The Rooflight Association. “As the voice of the UK’s rooflight industry, we represent and support those working right across the built environment. With compliance, safety and performance at the heart of the modern construction industry, it’s important that we connect and inspire industry stakeholders, that’s why events like this are more important than ever. We’re proud to be involved.”
UK Construction Week London Excel London: 12 - 14 May 2026
The Rooflight Association –Stand N1
DAYLIGHTING is published by: Constructive Media Ltd Hornbeam Suite Mamhilad House Mamhilad Park Estate Pontypool NP4 0HZ Tel: +44 (0)1495 239 962
WEBSITE www.daylightingmag.co.uk
EDITOR
Holly Rogers daylighting@constructivemedia.co.uk Tel: 01495 239 962
SALES AND EDITORIAL: Roger Whittington daylighting@constructivemedia.co.uk Tel: 01495 239 962
DESIGN/PRODUCTION: daylighting@constructivemedia.co.uk
CIRCULATION
Daylighting is available by email, free of charge to subscribers, by logging on at: www.daylightingmag.co.uk or get in touch to request a print version
Free access is also available via our website and our social media channels.
Our readership is predominantly UK architects, specifiers, contractors, consultants and roofing professionals.
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, the publisher does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.
This publication contains editorial photographs which may have been supplied and paid for by suppliers.
Rooflight installers, contractors, manufacturers, specifiers, distributors, consultants: find out how RA membership can enhance your business. www.rooflightassociation.org Find out more and download our Membership Prospectus now.
