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Skylights from Brett Martin Daylight Systems were specified
by Brighton and Hove City Council architects for the £2.5
million redevelopment of a secondary school on the basis of
their thermal efficiency and quality of construction. |
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two 3.4 x 2.4m Ritchlight Ultra skylights lie end to end on
the flat ridge of a 750m2 extension at Varndean
School where two ICT classrooms and sports changing rooms at
ground level are topped by a library with vaulted ceiling on
the first floor. |
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The architects wanted to
maximise natural light using traditionally proportioned
lantern-type skylights but not at the detriment to the
overall efficiency of the eco-friendly building which
features under floor heating and a rainwater recovery system
that supplies toilets to the school. |
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Ritchlight Ultra’s fully
thermally broken frame virtually eliminates any additional
heat loss through the frame which is traditionally
associated with skylights, and eradicates any cold spots,
dramatically reducing the risk of condensation. |
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The addition of a thermal break
in the Ritchlight Ultra’s kerb separates the aluminium
structure of the high-performance skylight into internal and
external components. For the first time this provides a
skylight with a frame that matches the performance of the
glazing, which is available in a range of options, enabling
specifiers to achieve U-values as low as 1.1W/m²k – double
the insulation values required by Part L Building
Regulations. |
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The fact that the skylights are
also fitted with electrical opening vents automatically
controlled with temperature and rain sensors was a bonus for
Stephen Toomey, senior architect in the city council’s
property and design department. |
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Varndean’s Ritchlight Ultra
skylights also feature antisun glass and the aluminium
glazing frame is dual coloured – white inside and a dark
brown outside to complement the pantiles. Completing the
total package was the installation which was carried out in
two days by Brett Martin’s own in-house installation team. |
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Constructed of steel frame with
masonry walls, glulam timber roof structure and traditional
pantiled roof, the extension and remodeling of other areas
of the 1930s former grammar school for girls was required to
increase the role of the school, which is designated a
high-performing specialist school with specialism in music
and vocational/applied learning, by five classes. |
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Stephen Toomey, who has used
Brett Martin’s Mardome Premier security rooflight in a
previous project, said: “The planners/councillors wanted a
contemporary building to blend with the existing original
1930s school and the Ritchlight Ultra skylights were used to
provide natural light and ventilation over the centre of the
library space. |
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“They were chosen for their
thermally-broken frames and quality of construction and help
to create a stunning space over the library. The client is
very happy with the new facility.” |
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He added: “I wanted as much
natural light as reasonably possible, using traditionally
proportioned lantern-type rooflights, but didn’t want them
to be detrimental to the overall efficiency of the building. |
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“Ventilation is a bonus that
will be useful on hot and wind-less summer days. With roof
and wall thermal insulation exceeding current regulations
and the use of underfloor heating, I am confident running
costs will be low.” |
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Mark Whitby, who was Varndean's
headmaster at the time, added: “The new space created for
the library is amazing, I especially like the light and
spacious feel provided by the vaulted ceiling. |
