- September 12, 2025|
- News
Chris Cooke, Commercial Director at Sheerline Bespoke, reflects on three decades of change in the conservatory and roofing sector – from the dominance of white Victorian conservatories in the ’90s to today’s demand for sleek, aluminium-framed solid and glazed roof systems.
Looking back to when I launched Prefix Systems in 1996, the landscape was very different. If you were adding space to your home back then, it was likely a white, three-bay Victorian conservatory with a polycarbonate roof – and almost always made from PVC.
Fast forward nearly 30 years, and homeowners no longer want an “add-on” room. They’re investing in extensions that feel part of the home – open, usable spaces with architectural glazing, minimalist lines, and quality finishes. The transformation in this sector has been one of the most significant shifts I’ve seen during my career.
At its peak around 2005–2006, the conservatory market was delivering about 250,000 units a year. Today that figure sits closer to 80,000–90,000. While volumes have declined, the roofing sector has expanded in scope. What was once a one-product market has diversified into lantern roofs, high-performance glazed systems, tiled and solid options, flat rooflights, and hybrid solutions.
The biggest shift has been the move from PVC to aluminium across windows, doors, and roofing. Aluminium is robust, durable, and versatile, with colour and finish stability that stands up to the UK climate. It also enables the sleek, contemporary designs today’s homeowners demand.
Architectural trends have been central to this evolution. The ornate, fussy rooflines of the ’90s have been replaced with clean, square designs – lean-tos, flat roofs, and bold minimalist lanterns that suit modern homes. At the same time, the rise of wide-span bifold and sliding doors has required roofing systems to adapt, spanning larger openings while maintaining performance.
Today, roofs are no longer just a functional cap to a conservatory. They are integrated into the overall design of the home, bringing in light, creating year-round living space, and connecting indoor and outdoor areas.
This demand for high-end, design-led solutions is exactly why we developed the Sheerline Bespoke range. More broadly, it’s about giving fabricators and installers the tools to meet modern expectations. Installers aren’t just fitting a roof anymore – they’re helping create part of someone’s dream home. That means products must be well-designed, easy to install, and built to last.
Our S3 architectural roof system reflects this approach, offering performance and aesthetics that meet the needs of higher-end projects. It has its finger on the pulse of where the market is heading, both in function and design.
Having been in this industry for over 30 years, it’s exciting to see how far we’ve come. The pace of change is accelerating, driven by customers who are more design-conscious than ever. Whether it’s a flat roof extension or an aluminium-framed lantern, expectations are rising – and that’s how we like it.
This is a sector full of opportunity. With the right products, the right partners, and a clear view of where the market is going, I believe the next chapter in roofing will be the most exciting yet.
To find out more about Sheerline Bespoke, contact us today.