It would be useful to understand why you were unable to install velum Windows.....there are alternative ways of allowing lightl in depending upon the nature of the property you are converting.

i am in ireland. the property management companu own the roof - therefore i cannot install the velux windows. thats an interesting point about the kitchen and fire.

The kitchen opening up is possible but it does depend upon how you do it....depending upon your budget and complexity of the scheme there are suppression systems that can be used in such circumstances.

So I am guessing that the management company are fairly conservative in their views ..... Or is it about insurance etc......? If so then they should accept proposals as long as a competent professional is involved.... It's normally all about insurance and who is potentially liable in case of a leak.

If you can flesh the problem out a bit more we can offer more tailored advice.

yeah they have a zero tolerance approach on any work being done as they are liable for any problems down the line so they don't let anyone do any type of work to alter the roof. the room itself was originally going to be a bedroom but may be a bit to hot without windows. so maybe turn it into a study or quiet room.

You could provide passive ventilation by other means and then use lighting to simulate natural daylight. How are you insulating the roof ? presumably below the rafters?

Have you considered looking in tubular daylighting devices?
Far less hassle than installing a traditional rooflight of some sort, takes up less space on the roof and can spread an impressive amount of daylight.

Solatube Daylighting Systems are the originators of the product concept known as "light pipes", "sun tubes" etc. I'd suggest taking a look at our profile or even our website www.solatube.co.uk and seeing you feel we'd be a solution to enquiry.

We'd be happy to discuss this further with you and I hope we can be of some assistance

Daniel at Solatube UK