Project & photography: Christian
A single-storey rear extension offers possibility — but without light from above, it can still feel enclosed.
For this project, the intention from the outset was clear: create an open-plan kitchen and dining space that felt bright, connected and expansive. Natural light was essential, but so too was the experience of looking up and seeing the sky from inside the room.
The rooflights were never decorative additions.
They were fundamental to how the space would feel.
Why light from above mattered
Rear extensions often rely heavily on glazing to the garden. While this brings horizontal light, it doesn’t always penetrate deep into the plan.
Here, rooflights were specified to introduce vertical daylight — balancing the room and preventing the central areas from feeling flat or shaded. The result is a space that feels open regardless of the weather.
During the day, the sky becomes part of the room.
Cloud movement, changing light, even frost in winter — all visible from the dining table below.
Why a fixed, frameless rooflight?
Maximising light and view was the priority.
Opening functionality was not required, so the decision was made to remove unnecessary mechanical complexity. A fixed, frameless design offered uninterrupted glazing with no visible glazing bars or bulky internal framing.
From below, the rooflights read as precise openings rather than inserted windows.
Clean.
Minimal.
Architectural.
Choosing Cambridge Skylights
This was not a quick decision.
Extensive research was undertaken — comparing sizes, detailing, reviews and pricing across multiple suppliers. Cambridge Skylights stood out for offering the ideal balance of specification, design clarity and value.
Technical guidance was a key factor. Advice was provided not only during specification, but directly to the builder during installation. Multiple options were priced clearly, and support continued through delivery and aftercare.
The process felt considered, informed and supported.
The difference it’s made
The impact was immediate.
Even before decoration was complete, the space felt brighter. Once the walls were finished in white, the natural light was amplified further — reflecting softly around the room and enhancing the open-plan layout.
At night, the rooflights take on a different character. Subtle LED lighting installed around the openings transforms them into architectural features — framing the glazing and adding atmosphere.
Daylight connection by day.
Design feature by night.
The rooflights are now the defining element of the extension — both visually and experientially.
Would we recommend Cambridge Skylights?
Most definitely.
The rooflights are high quality, competitively priced and beautifully detailed. More than that, the service was first class from start to finish.
They have become the favourite feature of the new extension.
Project details
Product: Cambridge HorizonLite Fixed Frameless Roof Windows
Sizes: 800×1800mm
Project & photography: Christian