MEDIA RELEASE 31 August 2009
Giving older homes a new lease of light
Renovating an older house can be a balance of retaining the original charm of
the building and incorporating a modern approach by using space and light. It is
possible to achieve this balance using modern techniques, such as skylights,
which can be an effective means of bringing natural light into an older home.
There are many appealing features of older homes, such as high ceilings,
decorative plaster mouldings and lead light windows, although there are also
many unappealing characteristics, such as limited natural light.
Tony Campanella bought his 1940s Concord 'Moderne Bungalow' in Sydney's inner
west 16 years ago and has gradually renovated and adapted it to suit his family.
"We've done a number of things to the house such as extending the living areas
and moving the kitchen. The exterior remains the same and inside we have kept a
lot of the original features like the decorative plaster ceilings in the hallway
and front bedrooms. We have meshed the old and the new by replicating the floor
boards, picture rails, architraves and cornices in the extension," said
Campanella.
Typical of the period, the house had little natural light, which Campanella
overcame by installing five Skydome skylights.
"I installed large skylights in the kitchen and the general living areas to
bring in more natural light. We put another one in an enclosed side walkway,
which used to be the kitchen and also a vented skylight in the main bathroom to
improve light and air flow. We also converted the attic into a bedroom and
installed a Skywindow," he explained.
"We installed another skylight in one of the front bedrooms, which is part of
the original house and has decorative plaster ceilings. We wanted to retain the
ceiling mouldings, so I made sure the skylight was installed in the middle of
the ceiling where there is no pattern," added Campanella.
According to Skydome managing director Michael Bonello, even though skylights
are a relatively modern building technology, they can still blend in with older
architectural styles.
"Using decorative finishes and diffusers, it is possible to match a skylight to
an older style home. Our Renaissance series has been popular with owners of
older style houses as it has a design that tends to suit both modern and older
homes. It's hexagonal in shape and made from western red cedar, which can be
left natural for a timber look or can be painted. We have a range of leadlight
diffusers that people can select from to match their decor," he said.
"We've also installed many custom designed skylights so that they blend
perfectly with the style and design of the home," added Bonello.
Skydome currently offers four types of skylights each with unique features and
applications: Skydome, Skytube, Skywindows and glass Skydomes.
The original Skydome skylights are available in a wide range of sizes and models
and come in square and rectangular variations as well as circular and pyramid
shapes.
The Skytube, a tubular skylight, is ideal for bathrooms, hallways, kitchens,
walk-in robes or any room too small to install a traditional Skydome but still
in need of natural light. Skytubes are also suited to larger rooms that require
task lighting. It is supplied as a complete kit so no extra building materials
are required.
Finally, Skydome's Skywindows are ideal for reclaimed attics and lofts to add
natural light and ventilation. Skywindows are double glazed and timber lined.
Skydome, a member of the Skylight Industry Association, was established in 1976
by Michael Bonello and the company and its products are officially recognised as
Australian owned and made.
For more information on Skydome, its products and installation, visit
www.skydome.com.au or call 13 14 24.
Released for Skydome by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Joanna Gitsham or Kim Larochelle on (02)
9413 4244.
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