Lanterns 1, 2, 3

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Sheerline launched the S1 Roof Lantern in 2021 with a view to revolutionise the lantern market by addressing the issues that commonly affected this type of product. We investigate.

Those problems included security, thermal efficiency, and unappealing looks writes Sheerline’s design project managers Jon Crohill.

Since being launched, the S1 has proven itself as a market-leader. Not only was it named Best Technical Innovation at the GGP Installer Awards (2022) for its design characteristics and ultra sleek modern look, but it has driven change within the industry.

 

Not about the S1

Although this article is not about the S1, the S1 is important because it was this brief, and the subsequent impact this product has had, that has inspired the development of the latest addition to the range, the S3 architectural glazed roof.

 

Innovation + Style + Efficiency

In real terms, the glazed roof market hasn’t kept pace with the levels of innovation seen in other areas of the fenestration industry. But there is now a growing emphasis on thermal efficiency – not just keeping warm, but cool, and well-ventilated too.

And it’s not just regulatory updates driving this change. There is arguably an appetite within the industry for better. Better products, better service, a better overall experience for the homeowner and installer, with less post-fitting issues.

 

Better experience

The S3 architectural glazed roof reflects this call for better, and it delivers in abundance. Building on the success of the S1, it has been developed with strength in mind. Take, for example, the S3’s rafter connection. It is super strong with built-in tolerance and is concealed below the glass line, which is a Sheerline design feature and elevates the overall look.

At Sheerline, innovation doesn’t just mean new products, it is our whole approach. To ensure the S3 is as fitter-friendly as possible, we have reduced the number of components, which in turn reduces the time required on site. Plus, we factory set the roof pitch to ease the fitter’s life on site.

Aesthetics without practical compromise

Anyone who knows Sheerline knows we prioritise style, but we don’t compromise on substance, so homeowners get the full package. The S3 is no different, offering a refined, sleek aesthetic that can be perfectly matched with the rest of the Sheerline range.

This means that instead of adding an outdated conservatory to a property, homeowners can now add a  sun room or garden room or an extra room for the family to spend time at the weekend.

With the S3 system, as it is fully aluminium (including the guttering – more on that later), it is powder-coated at our Qualicoat ‘seaside’ approved facility, meaning homeowners can benefit from our 25-year warranty offered as standard.

 

Gutters

The gutter and downpipe system are also aluminium, so there is no fading or warping as often happens with PVC-U. During the FIT Show, when we unveiled the S3, we featured the contemporary square gutter, but there is also a traditional sculpted look available with Ogee styling.

 

Thermal efficiency – intelligent ventilation

Like the S1, the S3 is fully thermally broken with Sheerline’s proprietary technology, Thermlock – a winner of the Kings Award for Innovation 2025. The system is cleverly designed to create an unbroken thermal barrier between the interior and exterior of the extension.

This is a different approach to, say, a traditional conservatory roof design, whereby the rafters tend to break through the thermal barrier resulting in areas of heat loss. With the S3, insulation is located at the optimum point in the design – in line with glazed units.

Also, with Sheerline’s intelligent ventilation system, SheerVent, there is a simple solution to flood the space with fresh air as well as natural light. It uses automated actuators and can be enhanced by adding an optional discreet rain sensor.

Taking everything into account, we believe S3 offers the complete package and is sure to shake up the glazed roof market.

 

Picture: Not the S1 but the new S3 from Sheerline.

www.sheerline.com

 

Article written by Jon Crohill
07th September 2025

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