Loft conversion windows: your choices
Many homeowners opt for loft conversions as an alternative to moving from a neighbourhood they love. Guest bedroom, teenager’s pad or home office, an imaginatively architect-designed additional space with windows at roof level can be transformative, giving families light-filled extra living space.
Glazing is integral to the success of a loft conversion, and a consultation with an architectural glazing designer will help you explore all your window options before the project begins. The ODC Glass designers are very experienced in producing window solutions for more complex spaces, and the Project portfolio has many examples of unique and successful loft conversions.
Rooflights for loft conversions
The simplest way to bring daylight to a converted loft space is to install rooflights which follow the existing roofline. Rooflights can be installed under Permitted Development to provide additional natural light into loft extensions as long as they don’t extend beyond the existing roof plane. You’ll need 2.25m of head height in the middle of your room, and you may require planning permission if the roof windows are at the front of your house.
Rooflights come in standard sizes, but it’s worth having a conversation with a specialist architectural glazing designer about bespoke rooflight dimensions to achieve strong design and a wealth of light in your new room.
Choose rooflights with slimline frames and the highest U-values for an energy-efficient, contemporary look. Aim for windows that glaze 20% of the roof space, either by a series of evenly spaced windows or one large window. A surveyor will be able to calculate the optimum specification to ensure your new space is comfortable all year round. Opening rooflights should be fitted with automated rain sensor controls to avoid them being left open accidentally.
A large fixed rooflight following the roofline has maximised the views and light in this country house. It’s a design that could transfer very effectively to a loft conversion.
Sliding glass doors and Juliet balconies for loft conversions
Smaller format sliding doors are an effective glazing solution for structural loft extensions with dormer and gable end windows. Both types of window extend out of the original roofline of the property, giving additional headspace and usable floor space – they are a great option for lofts with low or sloping ceilings. While dormers are very popular, gable end windows on detached or end-of-terrace properties open the entire side of the roof up to the roof ridge to flood a loft conversion with natural light and offer the best of any views.
Suitable for both dormer and gable end openings, slimline sliding doors with a Juliet balcony deliver floor-to-ceiling glazing to maximise views, light and create a real wow factor. The frameless Juliet balcony forms an almost invisible glass balustrade, allowing the doors to open to the outside in complete safety.
A loft conversion provides a new main bedroom with sliding doors and tree-top views of the garden.
Hip to gable: the ultimate in loft conversion windows
This award-winning remodelled Highgate home features a new loft space with curtain wall glazing linking the original pitched roofs. It’s an example of how the partnership between technical glazing designers and innovative architectural practice creates very special spaces. There are many reasons why this project won ‘Best London Home’ in 2022, but the loft living space definitely has the wow factor.
Glass walls and bespoke windows for an extraordinary loft extension 
Loft conversion windows: the box alternative
Replacing or raising the entire roof maximises the available space for a loft conversion. A mansard roof (in effect, an additional level or floor ) creates opportunities for extensive and exciting glazing combinations. Box windows or oriel windows with their frameless window seat design extend floor space and create new views and interesting perspectives.
Glazing for an apartment roof extension includes an oriel window
Fixed windows for stairs to loft conversions
New access staircases to an upper loft level can be lit with long picture windows to preserve the light, open and airy feel at the top of the house. Internal glass balustrading can also increase the light levels in upper storeys.
ODC designs and manufactures bespoke aluminium rooflights, glass doors and windows with superb thermal efficiency for loft conversions.
Read more about our rooflights and window products, or give us a call. We’d love to hear about your project and have a huge wealth of expertise and experience to share with you.
