Shining a Light On Lanterns

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Once considered a niche architectural feature, roof lanterns have surged in popularity as an excellent design choice for both residential and commercial properties, says Eurocell.

The growing emphasis on natural light, especially as hybrid working continues to blur the boundaries between the home and office, has driven a surge in demand for products that brighten interior spaces. The Fabricator special correspondent Ted Humphreys picks up the story.

Good money

Eurocell has been at the forefront of roof light innovation. Skypod, launched in 2013, was said to set a new benchmark as the UK’s first slimline, pitched roof lantern. The market has since taken off, with the architectural lighting market in the UK generating £322.7m in 2024 and projected to reach £463m by 2030.

As mentioned elsewhere, the shift to hybrid working has only amplified the importance of well-lit spaces. According to Eurocell's own research, the cost of insufficient daylight in homes and offices adds up to a staggering £61.2bn in lost productivity annually in the UK.

But while the appetite for lighter spaces is strong, the market remains challenging. Housing output is relatively static, with a 15% lower construction output in 2024 compared to 2019. For fabricators, this is where premium, high-performance products can help generate new home improvements projects as homeowners require more convincing to invest.

Iconiq

One such product is Iconiq, Eurocell’s latest innovation in roof lantern design. Available in sizes up to 4m by 10m (as long as the ridge length doesn’t exceed 6m), Iconiq is reckoned to be the largest aluminium roof lantern available in the UK.

For homeowners, Iconiq delivers clean angles, ultra-slim sightlines, integrated LED lighting trays and customisable glazing options. And it’s backed by a 10-year guarantee.

Colour options include matt anthracite grey, matt black, white, with any RAL colour made to order.

With a glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) eaves beam, Iconiq is thermally efficient, creating a powerful insulating barrier against heat transfer. Its GRP ring beam also delivers high strength-to-weight performance. Bespoke glazing clips and an anti-tamper edge frame ensure the structure is not only secure but also safe and tamper-resistant.

Easy installation

Installation has also been reimagined with the cutting-edge, patent-pending Q-lok system. This innovative horseshoe locking mechanism allows the frame to be quickly and securely pushed together with fewer fixings, no drilling, and a simple slide-and-lock assembly. Fabricators benefit from the option to order Iconiq in both kit and bar length formats, making it easy to integrate into existing product portfolios.

In a challenging market, where efficiency, sustainability and standout design are increasingly in demand, innovations like Iconiq reflect the direction of travel for the sector. Whether fabricators are looking to diversify into aluminium roof lanterns or enhance their current range a high-performing, easy-to-install product with strong aesthetic appeal could prove a valuable differentiator.

Picture: Eurocell’s Iconiq roof lantern.

www.eurocell.co.uk/iconiq

Article written by Ted Humphries
07th September 2025

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