A recent project from Place Makers Architects and Urban Planners adopts a unique glass operable roofing system to capture the outside and inside worlds.

Situated in Mosman, Sydney Tony Tribe of Place Makers said the greatest design challenge he faced for the project was meeting the clients’ brief.

“The brief required for both extended and flexible living/ entertaining areas to maximise the enjoyment of sun, light and fresh open air.”

For Tony and his team, this flexibility came through the use of a unique operable glass roof that covered the central courtyard and was the “key feature” of the extensive retrofit.

“The system offers flexibility in planning the flow between al fresco and 'outdoor' rooms and internal living spaces to meet lifestyle demands. It opens opportunities to remove walls, windows and doors,” he explained.

The system comprises an upper glass roof and a lower conventional insulated roof, both of which are operated by a choice of manual controls or automatic weather sensors. Both are operable together or individually.

The ceiling provides a complete enclosure to form an indoor finish, sliding back to allow natural light and warmth into the courtyard while protecting from rain and wind. With the glass roof completely open, the 4.5 x 5.8m courtyard is again restored to the open air.

Both roofs can be partially open in any position which allows light, sun and shade to be managed within the space according to the client’s wishes.

“This central courtyard was an invaluable sun-trap, providing sheltered al-fresco living and light and sun to its living areas. However, it also offered the only opportunity for extension of living/ entertaining areas within the constrained building footprint,” Tribe concluded.

The architect attributed the success of his unique solution to Kennovations.

“By utilising Kennovation's extensive experience in construction and technology innovative solutions the unique double operable roof was developed.”

See the Roofing system in action below:

Nathan Johnson

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