DAYLIGHTING Magazine issue 14 January/February 2019

Issue 14 January/February 2019

DAYLIGHT IN THE WORKPLACE

PLUS: • RIGHTS TO LIGHT • SPECIFYING GLASS ROOFLIGHTS • TESTING FOR NON-FRAGILITY AND MORE

BOOK OUR NEW CPD SEMINAR: DAYLIGHT. DONE RIGHT.

CONTENTS

REGULARS 05

Editor’s Comment

FEATURES 13

Rights to Light

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Natasha Bray of Rapleys asks “Can the courts block a council approved scheme?”

Industry News

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New Projects

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NARM Daylight Diary Updates from the UK’s influential trade association for rooflight manufacturers

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Daylighting Icons The Shanghai Oriental Art Center

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Twitterings What’s trending on social media?

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More about DAYLIGHTING Magazine Back issues & media information

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Daylight in the Workplace Rob Hamblen of Whitesales looks at an exciting London redevelopment and how daylight plays a positive role in the workplace.

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Glass Rooflights Jeremy Dunn of NARM, the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers provides clarification on glass rooflight specification.

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Applying the CWCT test for non-fragility The Rooflight Company has recently completed testing for non-fragility on their Conservation Plateau Rooflight.

Laura Portlock explains.

DAYLIGHTING is published by: Bennett & Partners Pure Offices Lake View House Tournament Fields Warwick CV34 6RG United Kingdom TEL: +44 (0)1295 711666 EDITOR Paul Bennett paul@daylightingmag.co.uk Tel: 01295 711666 Mobile: 07900 895110 AD SALES adsales@bennettand partners.co.uk Tel: 01295 711666 DESIGN/PRODUCTION production@bennettand partners.co.uk Tel: 01295 711666 WEBSITE www.daylightingmag.co.uk CIRCULATION Daylighting is available by email, free of charge to subscribers, by logging on at www.daylightingmag.co.uk Free access is also available via our website and social media. Average impressions per issue are approximately 5,900, however this varies according to social media activity. Our readership is predominantly UK architects, specifiers, contractors, consultants and roofing professionals. Full details are available on our website. www.daylightingmag.co.uk While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, the publisher does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

This publication contains editorial photographs which may have been supplied and paid for by suppliers. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website.

Front cover: The London Women’s Clinic, Harley St, London. Image courtesy of Whitesales

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Jan/Feb 2019

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Thoughts on legislation & inspiration...

I recently attended a semiar on the BS EN 17037 standard for Daylighting in Buildings, soon to be published in the UK.

position which the UK will occupy in (or out) of Europe over the coming months, will also no doubt add a further layer of complexity.

Presented by CIBSE, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, the seminar provided an introduction to the EN 17037 Standard for Daylighting in Buildings - due to be published in the UK in May this year.

Much of the discussion and many of the queries raised, were in relation to how this new standard compares with and relates to the existing BS 8206 Code of Practice for Daylighting.

The good news is, that also very apparent at the seminar, was the sheer technical strength in depth within organisations like CIBSE’s Daylighting Group, as well as among specifiers, consultants and developers of ClimateBased Daylight Modelling technologies.

This topic, will, I’m sure, be the subject of forthcoming content in this publication, as there would appear to be a number of conflicts arising from it and some concerns regarding compliance with the new standard in certain buildings and locations.

I’ll leave it to the experts to put forward their observations, as I am not particularly technically-minded.

I appreciate that this is a highly complex and increasingly contentious subject – as the industry’s focus on sustainability and energy saving becomes even more intense. The

Whatever the frustrations and differences of opinion surrounding legislation and politics, we can be sure that there is an immense volume of knowledge, technology and expertise available to building designers and developers – and that can only result in the continuing increase in effective daylighting in all kinds of new and refurbished buildings.

Paul Bennett paul@daylightingmag.co.uk

A final thought, though, from a non-technical viewpoint: is there is a risk of daylighting design becoming an entirely quantitative exercise, potentially overlooking the qualitative, aesthetic, and experiential aspects of design?

Another topic for discussion in a subsequent issue, perhaps?

Issue 11 July/August 2018

Don’t forget, back issues are always available to read on-line at daylightingmag.co.uk

Issue 4 May/Jun 2017

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER BUILDINGS

IN THIS ISSUE: CONTROLLING

HEAT& GLARE • DAYLIGHTING IN SCHOOLS • LISTED BUILDINGS • ROOF SAFETY • FIRE SAFETY AND MORE

Previous issues of DAYLIGHTING Magazine will be available on-line indefinitely. So you can refer back to old issues whenever you like.

It’s also on our ‘to-do’ list to set up a features index, so if you can’t remember in which issue you read that fascinating feature about XYZ, you’ll be able to find it in a moment.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Daylighting at work CLIMATE BASED DAYLIGHT MODELLING BIM GLASS ROOFLIGHTS DAYLIGHTING INNOVATIONS AND MORE

www.daylightingmag.co.uk

Jan/Feb 2019

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INDUSTRY NEWS

VELUX and JET announce VELUX Commercial the VELUX service.

With the recent acquisitions of JET, Vitral and Wasco, VELUX Commercial will broaden VELUX’s product range, continuing to offer architectural glazing and in addition the commercial range of industrial flat roofs, acrylic domes and continuous roof lights for which JET is a leading player in Europe.

VELUX Group: Vitsoe HQ, Leamington Spa, UK © Dirk Linder Photography

VELUX and JET-Group announces a new identity for the commercial division they will build together under the VELUX brand. The division will expand the application of daylight solutions across all sectors including; workplace, education, healthcare, transport and retail. VELUX Commercial was announced at BAU 2019, Munich (January 14th – 19th).

Having established its business over more than 75 years, the VELUX Group has achieved a leading position in the residential market for bringing daylight and fresh air to people’s homes and dark attics, transforming underused spaces. With the VELUX Group’s acquisition of Wasco, Vitral and the JET Group, the newly formed VELUX Commercial brand will position the

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VELUX Group as one of Europe’s leading players in the commercial market and bring daylight and fresh air to workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare, airports, railway stations and shopping malls.

The VELUX Group’s entry into the commercial marketplace was in 2012, with VELUX Modular Skylights (VMS). VMS are, in part, the result of a design and research collaboration with Foster + Partners that furthered technology and detailed design across a range of products, these now contribute to achieving high environmental standards within contemporary architecture.

The versatility of VMS allows architects to specify daylighting solutions that are at once sustainable, energy efficient, rapidly installed and supported by

Ralf Dahmer, CEO of JETGroup said, “We look forward to working together to build our new commercial division under the VELUX brand. We see growth potential and possibilities to strengthen our business to the benefit of customers and employees,” Ralf Dahmer will head the operating area for the industrial flat roof segment in VELUX Commercial.

Henrik Øvlisen, VP of VELUX Modular Skylights said “Our strategy is to grow our business by bringing daylight to people in commercial buildings, and by joining forces with JET, we gain scale and we enter a whole new segment. The products and the sales process in the commercial market are quite different from the residential market, and to meet the specific needs of the commercial market, we are now building a new division; VELUX Commercial”.

The new Velux Commercial visual identity will be rolled-out during the coming months across Europe.

In the short-term, JET-Group and VELUX Modular Skylights will continue business as usual. www.velux.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Lareine Engineering opens new Midlands office

Rooflighting & ventilation specialist Lareine Engineering is opening a new sales & customer support centre in Rugby, Warwickshire, as part of continuing expansion plans.

increasing the company’s total production facilities to approximately 40,000sq ft.

The company has seen significant growth over the recent years, following the successful integration of a range of new products and services to its portfolio.

During the same period, new partner agreements with European Ventilation products manufacturer Brakel Airvent (now part of Kingspan Light + Air) and more recently, window automation specialist Windowmaster, have seen further growth across a variety of construction sectors.

In 2016, Lareine Engineering moved it’s main manufacturing and administrive hub to a newly refurbished 24,000sq ft factory in Livingston, West Lothian,

Managing Director Tom Bates said: “Lareine Engineering is historically a Scottish business, but from our base in Livingston we have always served customers

right across the UK. The new Midlands office is a logical step, allowing us to provide highly responsive local service to customers, wherever they are in the country. ” He continued: “We have further plans to extend our range of services in the near future and the Rugby office will play a key role. Watch this space!”

The new Rugby office will be fully functional by early February 2019. Contact details and location information will be released on the company’s website. www.lareineengineering.com

New appointment for BTS Facades & Fabrications Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its growth plans.

From left: David Atkinson, Marcia Atkinson, Gary Lumby, Phil Atkinson and Dave Precious of BTS Fabrications.

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Gary’s role at BTS will encompass coaching, strategic planning, and advice and he is joining the firm to help oversee plans to automate its production process and sustain its impressive growth.

He said: “BTS is a fabulous company that is growing fast already and is investing heavily in automation and people”.

Phil Atkinson, managing director at BTS, said: “Gary’s appointment is a real triumph for us; my mission for the business is to be one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of rainscreen systems and I believe Gary will help us achieve that.” www.btsfabrications.co.uk

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The Rooflight Company announces plans to become Employee Owned

With over 25 years since the creation of the original Conservation Rooflight®, the Rooflight Company founder and architect Peter King and MD Val King announced today that they are preparing to transition the company into Employee Ownership.

The Rooflight Company offers an extensive selection of highquality rooflights, roof windows and skylights, and has built an outstanding reputation for innovation and design excellence. Underpinned by this ethos of innovative design, it is continuously evolving its product range and breaking new ground with its acclaimed, industry-leading concepts.

The decision to become employee owned has been made to ensure the three core principles of values-led culture, innovation and long-term sustainability are maintained.

Becoming an employee owned company also avoids the disruption to staff following a

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trade sale and will ensure the high-quality products remain authentic, and the values of the company remain at the heart.

The Rooflight Company joins a growing family of Employee Owned businesses, such as John Lewis and Aardman Animations. Employee ownership is also becoming increasingly popular amongst Architectural practices, of which there are currently 16 across the UK. Other Employee Owned businesses have benefited from: Higher productivity and greater levels of innovation; increased operating profits; more resilience to economic turbulence; more engaged, more fulfilled and less stressed workforces.

Managing Director Val King, said: “We are delighted to announce our upcoming transition to employee ownership, which means that in March employees will become Co-owners of the Rooflight Company through a newly formed trust. As a

company led by our strong values of Integrity, Care, Empowered and Unity, employee ownership feels like a natural progression where we will seek to demonstrate that business really can be a force for good.”

The Rooflight Company are now in the exciting stages of transitioning to employee ownership which is due to be completed in March 2019.

Deb Oxley OBE, CEO of the Employee Ownership Association, said: “We congratulate the Rooflight Company on its transition to employee ownership supported by our members Postlethwaite Solicitors and J Gadd Associates. By widening ownership of the business to its employees the Rooflight Company is securing the future of the business, including its ethos, values and employees, while rooting itself locally for the longer term to the benefit of the community it serves.” www.therooflightcompany.co.uk.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Whitesales announces ‘a new chapter’ for the Group Following on from the launch of its Ryno brand support systems and accessory products, Whitesales has announced another new development for the Group, with a statement issued in January 2019: “The past 12 months has seen our core daylighting business continue to be very successful and our specialist smoke control division experience significant growth. As we look to the future, we recognise these two diverse areas of the business require specific and focused attention.

Therefore, from January 2019, Whitesales’ specialist smoke and access division will become Sertus, with the full range of products and services displayed on a dedicated website: trustsertus.com.

Whitesales will focus purely on the Daylighting market and development of outstanding daylight solutions.

This change will enable Whitesales to better serve customers in these areas.

Everything in relation to Whitesales’ collective vision and mission remains the same. All three companies will continue to operate with the same focus on market-leadership, innovation and the same commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience.”

Further information can be obtained on the Company’s website: www.whitesales.co.uk

Latest construction output from ONS The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed that UK construction ended last year with a stronger performance than it started with.

In the three months to November, total output rose 2.1% compared to the previous three months, and was the fastest-growing sector of the economy in the period as private house building activity reached a record high.

For the year to November, the 0.9% growth rate confirms that construction in 2018 was characterised by rises in private housing, where demand is driven

by Help to Buy, infrastructure, due to the start of works on major projects, and industrial, owing to the growing role of e-commerce and consequent demand for warehouse space.

Further information is available on the ONS web site at https://bit. ly/2RGzKO4

Scottish Government Consulatation – Analysis Report now available

Revisions to Approved Documents – England, L (Conservation of Fuel & Power) F (Ventilation) and Overheating

From 4th July to 26th September last year, the Scottish Government held a consultation on building standards compliance and fire safety.

The scoping exercise has commenced for these revisions with appointment of a contractor to start work on the Impact Assessment in February 2019.

The timetable for the work is as follows:

The aim of the consultation was to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building and fire safety regulatory frameworks in order to help ensure the

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safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings.

The ‘Building Standards Compliance and Fire Safety Consultation - Analysis Report’ is now available at: https://consult.gov.scot/ local-government-andcommunities/compliance-andenforcement-and-fire-safety/

• Consultation starts in July 2019 • Completion aimed for February 2020 • Publishing in March 2020 • Legal enforcement October 2020

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Survey reveals that 80% of people want to increase natural light in their home have more natural light in their homes, it’s about balancing how we can achieve this. For example, variation in local legislations can impact the amount of glass that is feasible within the fabric.

Regardless, this needs to be balanced with environmentally responsible design solutions that consider a variety of aspects, such as the building systems and the overall design aims.”

80% of consumers want to increase the amount of natural light entering their home, according to a survey of 1,000 people conducted by Eurocell plc, the UK manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems.

When asked about natural light, 48% said they would pay more to have a home with a greater amount of natural light and 57% said they would be more likely to buy or rent a home if it had more natural light. The desire for natural light was further reflected by consumers when they were asked what the most common drivers

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are for investing in new windows, with 38% of respondents identifying increasing the amount natural light in the home.

Architects at leading studios Hawkins Brown, Simpson Haugh and BDP, as well as property developer The High Street Group, discussed the findings, highlighting that regulation vs. design vs. cost is the main equation on the subject of natural light, highlighting that everyone would like to have more light in their homes.

James Roberts, Architect from Simpson Haugh reflected on this, saying: “Everyone would like to

Francesca Roberts, Architect at Hawkins Brown, commented: “It’s about careful placement of the windows and thinking about how light can be flooded into properties in all the right places. It’s not just about light either, you need to think about other factors, such as if the property is near a busy railway or a road, and consider how this should impact the placement of windows. It’s about finding that sweet spot, through proper testing and analysis. The placement of windows should not be determined by rolling out a standard house type across a site, with the window placement being left to chance.

Instead, what’s right for each plot should be considered.”

The survey is part of Eurocell’s ‘The Future Home Report’, and draws on the views of 1,000 25-40-year olds that either own or rent homes, about design and build considerations for future homes.

The Future Home Report can be downloaded in full here: www.eurocell.co.uk/whitepaper

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INDUSTRY NEWS - CPD

ISO-CHEMIE announces new airtightness seminar for architects & specifiers

A free seminar for architects and designers on airtightness in construction sealing joints and improvement options, is now available from form tape sealant specialists ISO-CHEMIE. The move advances architectural knowledge and understanding of airtightness and related issues, enabling specifiers to improve the design and construction of buildings and boost their technical and product expertise.

Delivered onsite within the practice and contributing towards formal CPD training, the one-hour long programme covers advice

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on effective window installation techniques, and how to identify and rectify air leakage.

The seminar also covers ISO CHEMIE’s ISO-TOP WINFRAMER thermal insulating and load bearing bracket system for the rapid installation of windows, which has been fire rated to E30.

ISO-TOP WINFRAMER can protect the entire window area from fire for a minimum of 30 minutes, guaranteeing the retention of structural integrity, as well as supporting at least 200kg/m and providing an air-tight cavity support.

Guidance on the latest airtightness products and sealing solutions is also covered in the

seminar, which includes details of ISO-CHEMIE’s range of gap sealing solutions ISO-BLOCO WIN2WALL and BLOCO-ONE. ISO-BLOCO WIN2WALL enables quickly and easy sealing from inside the building, the product will seal gaps from 2 mm to 8 mm, accommodating the clear majority of UK window installations, and comes in 2 widths to give the extra thermal insulation equivalent to A Rated (40mm tape) or A+ and A++ windows (64mm tape).

To book a seminar contact Andrew Swift, national sales manager, ISO CHEMIE. Tel. 07837 337220 or email a. swift@iso-chemie.co.uk

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NEW PROJECTS The Range Distribution Centre, Bristol Brett Martin Daylight Systems supplied 13,000m2 of Energysaver GRP composite panel rooflights to deliver energy-efficient natural daylight to this the huge 111,000m2 warehouse at Central Park in Avonmouth, Bristol.

Brett Martin’s GRP Trilite Energysaver rooflights achieve an excellent U-value of 1.3W/m²K. www.brettmartin.com

Rhyl Station, Denbighshire Twinfix recently replaced the roof glazing at Rhyl Station with their innovative Georgian wired polycarbonate, which combines the appearance of glass with all the material benefits of polycarbonate.

Twinfix Multi-LinkPanels NF are quick to install and achieve a designation B in the HSE recommended drop test (ACR[M]001:2014 Test For Non-Fragility. www.twinfix.co.uk

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RIGHTS TO LIGHT

Can the Courts Block a Council Approved Development Scheme?

By Natasha Bray, Senior Associate Neighbourly Matters, Rapleys LLP

A recent High Court case, quashed planning consent given by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham for the replacement of an office building with a nine storey hotel, on the basis of a flawed officer’s report that was stated to have failed to provide key information on the impact of the proposed development on the Daylight and Sunlight received by the neighbouring properties.

More precisely it was held by Deputy Judge, Justine Thornton QC, that the

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councilors were “significantly misled” about the extent of the daylight reduction on some of the neighbouring properties as a result of the proposed hotel.

The guidance followed in this case was the Building Research Establishment’s Report 209 “Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight – A Guide to Good Practice” (2011 2nd Edition).

This is widely recognised as the most appropriate way of undertaking a study such as this.

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RIGHTS TO LIGHT The specifics of the case were that the Daylight and Sunlight report had placed undue weight on one element of the BRE testing, namely the Vertical Sky Component test (VSC). This test measures the amount of daylight falling on a window by looking at the view of visible sky from the centre point of the window. The importance of the Daylight Distribution (DD) test was stated to have been disregarded. This assessment determines the adequacy of the distribution of light throughout a room. Accordingly, it is very possible for positive VSC results to be achieved but failing Daylight Distribution results.

It is therefore important to look at both sets of results combined to understand the impact on both the windows and rooms within a subject property; this should provide a fuller understanding of the overall daylight availability to a property. Focus on only the VSC test was seen to be misleading as to the real impact of the proposed hotel.

The question of responsibility of fault was raised as part of the case, with the ultimate decision being to absolve the planning officer of any blame, leaving fault with the Daylight and Sunlight consultant. It is noted that highly reputable consultants were used in this case; the planning officers should have been able to rely on their findings. But the question remains, is it possible in the future that other project members will be held responsible for such oversights?

With the demand for new housing and the ever-increasing pressure on Local Authorities to approve applications it is clear that this is unlikely to be the last we will hear of this type of issue. There are however several steps that can be taken to avoid this; Local Authorities can and are, in our experience, seeking to improve their knowledge by actively pursuing and taking part in CPD seminars on the

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topic. In 2018 Rapleys gave numerous seminars on this subject, along with other Neighbourly Matters, Including Rights to Light and Party Walls. We will continue our efforts to share our knowledge and experience with as many Local Authorities, developers and property professionals via these seminars and other initiatives planned for 2019.

2) BRE Daylight and Sunlight reports can be reviewed by the BRE or other Daylight and Sunlight consultants. In 2018 Rapleys Launches a Daylight & Sunlight Amenity Study Review service for Local Authorities, giving a quick turnaround overview of reports compiled by others in plain English.

This relatively inexpensive service is now providing valuable assistance to Local Authority planning teams.

3) Developers, architects and other project team members should also be pursuing a basic level of understanding of how this testing should be undertaken, certainly enough to know that the correct tests have been applied. Again, Rapleys continues to provide CPD seminars to all interested in the topic. These seminars not only make clear the appropriate testing and targets, but also gives a better understanding of the methodology behind the BRE.

“With the demand for new housing and the everincreasing pressure on Local Authorities to approve applications it is clear that this is unlikely to be the last we will hear of this type of issue... ...That being said, there are many means by which to avoid this issue in the future”.

So, to go back to the original question, the answer in short is yes, where a decision based on incorrect or faulty information has been made. That being said, there are many means by which to avoid this issue in the future.

As a centre of neighbourly matters excellence, Rapleys pride their selves on always being available to provide support on this topic.

Please feel free to contact Natasha Bray on natasha.bray@rapleys.com or 07789 928 499 or visit https:// rapleys.com/service/neighbourlymatters/.

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Waldram Tools - Daylighting Software MBS has been developing software for the last 25 years.

Delivering applications that are powerful yet easy to use.

Waldram Tools is an excellent package for meeting the requirements for daylight & sunlight testing laid out in the BRE Guide.

It is however much more than that, with many tools to aid design, such as facade analysis including solar radiation to test for overheating. Ray traced Daylight and sunlight calculations using Radiance, which allows more complicated situations to be assessed.

Transient shadows can be assessed over a range of times with the shadow cast matching the colour of the proposed building The potential for solar glare can be assessed in an easy to read rendered image

The software produces:

· · · · · · · · ·

BRE Compliance tests VSC,APSH,NSL,Sunlight to Amenity and Average Daylight Factor Rights of Light contours Complete excel exports Automated transient shadow images Climate based daylight calculations Spatial Daylight Autonomy Annual Sunlight Exposure BREEAM calculations Solar Glare Solar Radiation Facade analysis

Available for AutoCAD 2014-2018*

Alternative products: "Daylight forSketchup" Coming soon: "Daylight for Revit"

For more information contact us on:

Tel: 020 3176 0984

email: info@surveymbs.com

www.surveymbs.com

DAYLIGHTING IN THE WORKPLACE

Making Light Work.

Rob Hamblen, Sales & Marketing Director at Whitesales, explains how the quintessential element of daylight brings higher productivity and promotes wellbeing for occupants, throwing shade at artificial lighting options.

The Gramophone Works, former home of Saga records and epicentre of reggae music in London. Image courtesy of Whitesales.

In today’s often-cramped working environments, it can sometimes seem that daylight has become a rare commodity. Office workers with little to no sight of the outside environment all day can be heard to refrain “I didn’t realise it was raining!” as they scuttle from their artificially-lit buildings at the end of the work day.

Building regulations obviously mandate adequate levels of light – and this is the baseline in all building design. And surely if our spaces are adequately lit,

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whether that be with artificial lighting sources, that will suffice. As offices throughout the nation have evolved to meet the needs of 21st century working requirements, sophisticated lighting systems promise open-plan hubs and vast internal spaces ‘optimum’ light levels. However, the benefits felt when building designs deliver ample daylight, and interiors are flooded with natural light, are significant.

Better concentration, increased productivity, more motivation and

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morale, resurgent recruitment and retention levels – all through optimum daylight levels. And more natural light means decreased energy bills and a lower carbon footprint, benefiting building owners and the planet. The right daylight solution in the design stage can enhance BREEAM and SKA ratings. Building designs need to consider solutions that feature daylight – which combined with passive or controlled ventilation to bring in fresh air and prevent CO2 build-up –

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deliver better, and brighter, working environments.

In a recent installation for a new landmark canal side commercial campus comprising a mix of refurbished and extended office spaces – daylight was an integral part of the dynamic design. The Gramophone Works, former home of Saga records and epicentre of reggae music in London, is located in West London’s best-kept secret, Kensal Rise.

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DAYLIGHTING IN THE WORKPLACE The refurbishment of the original 20th century building retains a strong canal side industrial character whilst introducing new and contemporary architecture & office environments to the site.

Bordered by Queen’s Park, Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Ladbroke Grove; and with great transport links, green spaces and an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants; Kensal Rise is home to some of the capital’s key creatives. Vogue magazine dubbed Chamberlayne Road, the area’s high road, the ‘hippest street in Europe’.

The refurbishment of the original 20th century building retains a strong canal side industrial character whilst introducing new and contemporary architecture & office environments to the site. Large set back terraces provide exciting external spaces overlooking the canal, whilst the interior features contemporary exposed concrete and decorative neon lighting. High levels of light transmission and faithful replication of the pre-existing roof glazing were essential for the refurbishment and to ensure a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’.

roof glazing exactly matches the pre-existing in appearance, whilst delivering improved solar control through double glazed low e glass.

The bespoke Em-Glaze monopitch rooflights feature custom fixing details to incorporate with existing concrete structural beams and custom flashings for head detail. The removal of the existing fragile units presented many challenges during the project, but the staged installation of main units and flashings allowed for works to be completed more easily.

The new aluminium continuous roof glazing exactly matches the pre-existing in appearance, whilst delivering improved solar control through double glazed low e glass.

With modern and innovative solutions, the design possibilities for delivering daylight are nearly endless – and throw shade at many artificial options.

Daylighting systems can be adapted to any building, all sectors, and every purpose – improving health and wellbeing and offering a brighter experience, every time. www.whitesales.co.uk

The new aluminium continuous

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Illuminating experience

Bright designs for architectural impact At Whitesales, we design specialist daylight solutions providing outstanding aesthetics and creativity to buildings.

Our bespoke roof glazing and continuous rooflights offer superior performance and turn aspirations into reality.

Discover the design possibilities, call us today. www.whitesales.co.uk sales@whitesales.co.uk 01483 271371

GLASS ROOFLIGHTS

Glass rooflights: clarifying safety standards and recommendations for specifiers

By Jeremy Dunn, Product Standards Representative, NARM, the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers

Today’s specifier has a wide range of excellent glazing material options to consider when specifying rooflights.

However, glass has unique properties and is often selected for flat glazing applications, in domestic, retail and commercial projects.

diferent types of glass is important when considering the safety of those above the glass (often maintenance staff), and those below it (general building users).

Glass manufacturers have developed products to satisfy the most demanding requirements, from sophisticated solar control options, to self-cleaning and other properties. Durability and impact resistance are other key areas in which manufacturers offer a range of alternatives to suit different applications and budgets.

Understanding the properties of these

Annealed and Heat Strengthened Glasses

Types of glass

Annealed glass is not classified as safety glazing when used as a monolithic pane, so its rarely used in rooflighting applications as it forms large shards when broken, which be extremely dangerous. This also applies to Heat Strengthened Glass which while stronger and more resistant to

Images courtesy of Glazing Vision

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GLASS ROOFLIGHTS

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GLASS ROOFLIGHTS thermal heat stress than annealed glass, is also not classified as safety glazing.

Toughened Glass and Heat Soaked Toughened Glass Toughened Glass is similar to heat strengthened glass, but when broken, it forms small, slightly rounded pieces of glass, known as ‘dice’, which are less likely to cause injury. Toughened glass is classified as a ‘safety glass’.

However on rare occasions, these dice can clump together and fall as larger sections of glass. Another point to be aware of is that toughened glass can spontaneously shatter due to the presence of nickel sulphide (NiS) inclusions. This risk is significantly reduced, but not eliminated, by specifying heat soaked toughened glass.

Laminated Glass Laminated panes are produced by bonding a film, or interlayer between two or more plies of glass (typically annealed /heat strengthened or toughened glass). If fractured, the interlayer holds the broken shards of glass, preventing injury to those immediately below the rooflight. The interlayer, depending on thickness, material and pane size, may also have the ability to hold a load lying on the glass, preventing falls from height through the rooflight.

There are two basic form of interlayer – PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or ionomer.

PVB interlayers are the most commonly used in glass for the majority of domestic and architectural applications.

However, ionomer interlayers offer five times the shear strength and up to 100 times the rigidity of conventional PVB interlayers. This makes it an excellent candidate for demanding architectural and structural applications. Along with its high strength, ionomer interlayers are also less susceptible to moisture

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penetration or hazing over time.

In addition to the basic categories of glass listed above, there are a number of specialised materials available, to address issues such as thermal, light and acoustic performance.

Safety for building users To protect those below rooflights, the first choice for the inner pane of a rooflight should usually be a laminated glass, as this generally minimises the risk of any glass falling into the room beneath and consequent injury, if the inner pane should break.

British Standards define that inner panes must always be laminated wherever rooflights are more than 5 metres above floor level (increased to 13 metres in limited circumstances) or are located over water (eg swimming pools). British Standards also set out other circumstances and locations when a toughened inner pane can be used, subject to satisfactory risk assessment.

However, NARM recommends that the inner pane should always be laminated glass, unless a stringent risk assessment has been undertaken which shows that use of a toughened glass inner pane does not give any additional risk to those below rooflights. If after a risk assessment a monolithic toughened inner pane is being considered, it should always be heat soaked toughened glass.

Guidance on how to go about carrying out a glass risk assessment can be found in a document published

by CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association); document C632 ‘Guidance on Glazing at Height’.

Note that a laminated inner pane does not necessarily mean a rooflight can also be classified as non-fragile (which may be required to protect those

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GLASS ROOFLIGHTS NARM recommends that the inner pane should always be laminated glass, unless a stringent risk assessment has been undertaken which shows that use of a toughened glass inner pane does not give any additional risk to those below rooflights.

above the rooflight). If required, nonfragility should be specified separately.

Where an annealed inner laminated pane is proposed, careful thought should be given to the risk of Thermal Heat Stress failure which could affect the durability of a laminated inner pane. To avoid this risk, and should additional strength be required to the inner pane, a heat strengthened or toughened laminate can be specified (with care taken to ensure this does not affect non-fragility classification).

Safety for personnel accessing the roof In addition to using a laminated inner pane to protect building users,

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rooflights can also be specified and designed to be non-fragile*. This is intended to ensure that anyone accidentally walking or falling onto the rooflight will not fall through it, even if the glass is broken or the rooflight damaged. CDM Regulations require that a risk assessment should be carried out for every construction project, and this should define the measures required to prevent significant risk of anyone falling through a rooflight.

If the risk assessment confirms that satisfactory measures have been taken to ensure there is no risk of anyone falling through a fragile rooflight, then fragile rooflights can be specified, but

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GLASS ROOFLIGHTS The ACR test & non-fragile rooflights

otherwise rooflights should always be specified to be non-fragile.

Non-fragility for roofing products is generally defined by the “Red Book” ACR[M]001 issued by the Advisory Committee for Roof Safety, but for glass rooflights that document cross refers to documents issued by The Centre for Window and Cladding Technology: CWCT Technical Notes 66 and 67 “Safety and Fragility of Glazed Roofing: guidance on specification” and “testing and assessment” respectively, and CWCT Technical Note 92 “Simplified Method for Assessing Glazing in Class 2 roofs” which includes a simplified test method and a “deemed to satisfy” solution for rooflight applications in a Class 2 roof (one not intended for any foot traffic).

These CWCT documents should be used to define non-fragility of glass rooflights. They are based on the ACR[M]001 soft body impact test, together with an additional hard body impact test specifically relevant to glass, and a static load test to ensure that a broken IGU can retain an injured person who has fallen onto the glass.

Pass criteria include ensuring the soft body does not fall through a broken pane of glass, and that no significant shards of glass drop.

It’s important to note that any nonlaminated pane of glass is incapable of

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retaining a body once broken, and any rooflight with a toughened inner pane must therefore always be considered ‘Fragile’. It should also be noted that not all laminated glass combinations will achieve a ‘Non-Fragile’ classification, and many rooflights with laminated inner panes may be fragile: an enhanced specification of laminated glass, and how it is secured in the framing system, may be necessary to achieve non-fragility. Rooflights should either be tested to CWCT TN 92 (or to TN 66 and TN67), or comply with the deemed to satisfy standards defined in CWT TN92 to be regarded as nonfragile.

In the last issue of Daylighting magazine, we ran an article on the ACR test and non-fragile rooflights, which whilst factually correct, presented an unintentional bias in focusing on GRP rooflights without mentioning other rooflight materials, such as polycarbonate and glass. NARM has published a comparative guide to these different materials in document NTD09 and to set the record straight this will be the subject of a future feature article.

Deemed to satisfy standards specify a minimum inner pane of 9.5mm or 11.5mm laminated glass (depending on size) comprising 2 plies of annealed or heat strengthened glass with a 1.5mm pvb or ionomer interlayer, continuously supported in a rebated frame with an edge cover of at least 15mm on all four sides.

Further information and NARM Technical Documents on safety in relation to rooflight specification, plus documents from the Advisory Committee for Roofsafety, can be accessed free of charge on NARM’s website, at: https://www.narm.org.uk/downloads/ safety-on-roofs/

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SPECIAL FEATURE

daylight diary Looking ahead to new challenges and opportunities for our industry in 2019 – and saying a fond farewell to a NARM founder 2018 was a busy and intensive year for NARM, responding to and driving change in various technical and legislative changes in our industry – and 2019 looks set to be equally, if not more challenging, with a raft of new initiatives and standards on the horizon.

Chris was a founder member of NARM, having played a major role in the Association’s formation over twenty years ago. His energy and passion for improving safety and his contribution to the rooflight industry will be greatly missed.

These include consultations on revisions to the Building Regulations; the publication of the new EN 17037 standard for Daylight in Buildings in the UK; new Working Groups within the Construction Products Association; a new NARM Fire Sub committee; and liaison with the BBA in respect of proposed changes to their certification scheme. Our Product Standards Representative, Jeremy Dunn, has also recently been elected to the council of Eurolux, the European trade association for rooflight manufacturers.

Keep in touch, Chris and enjoy your well-earned retirement. We’ll be keeping up the good work in your absence.

NARM’s elected officers should be applauded on the time they take out from their regular jobs, to provide expertise and energy to support these and other important initiatives that shape our industry.

One such individual who has over the years made a huge contribution to NARM as well as playing a major role in the ACR - the Advisory Committee for Roofsafety - is Chris Pearce, who has just announced his retirement.

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JAN/FEB

2019

Keep up to date with the latest from NARM, by connecting with us on LinkedIn and Twitter View our CPD Seminar on YouTube Download NARM Technical Documents at www.narm.org.uk Are you a RIBA member?

Book our CPD Seminar now for double points Become a NARM member

Jan/Feb 2019

25

GLASS ROOFLIGHTS - advertorial

Safety and non-fragility of glazed roofing: Why might you need a non-fragility rooflight?

By Laura Portlock of The Rooflight Company When working on the design of a new building or renovation, it goes without saying how important health and safety precautions are at every stage. At the Rooflight Company we are being increasingly asked by our clients about rooflights and nonfragility.

Many clients are finding they need to ensure the flat rooflights they are specifying have had sufficient testing for a person or object falling onto the glass. Not to be confused with walk-on rooflights*, non-fragile rooflight has been specifically designed to withstand an impact should an accident occur.

The Rooflight Company have carried out extensive testing to adhere to the guidance given by the CWCT (Centre for Window and Cladding Technology) for TN66 and TN67 non-fragility testing for glass rooflights. This testing was carried out in June 2017 on their Conservation Plateau Rooflight. This popular design for flat roofs has been modified to meet these requirements with the following adjustments: the 6mm glass has a toughened outer with a low e-coating and the interlayer is stronger than the standard PVB – the interlayer applies to the 11.5mm laminate inner leaf only.

Tested to meet guidance given by the CWCT In 2017 the Rooflight Company carried out tests on their linked Conservation Plateau rooflight with 3 casements and customised linked baseplates. The

purpose of the testing was to confirm that the glass would be retained in the rooflight frame and remain in place after the specified impacts and static load has been applied.

The photos opposite show the set-up of the testing for a soft-body impact and also the resulting fracture during impact and how the glass has retained the weight of the impactor.

Case study This newly tested nonfragile rooflight has featured on the Queen Mary University, London, Stephen Hawking School, London, and Churchill College, Cambridge.

The flat rooflights on these projects were not intended for people to walk on the glass but were required to be nonfragile to protect people who could trip or fall onto the glass surface.

The picture to the right, shows the installation in progress for the Stephen Hawking school. This was a trapezoidal design with a 12-degree pitch on a bespoke baseplate.

To find out more about the range available from The Rooflight Company, including non-fragile flat rooflights, please visit www. therooflightcompany.co.uk or call 01993 833155.

* A non-fragile rooflight is not designed to be walked upon. It is designed to save lives by preventing people or objects falling through it accidentally, when accessing roof areas not designed for regular foot traffic. Walk-on rooflights which are designed to floor loadings are generally installed in-plane with the surrounding flooring on roof terraces and other areas where deliberate foot traffic is expected.

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Jan/Feb 2019

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GLASS ROOFLIGHTS - advertorial

These photos show the set-up of the testing for a soft-body impact and also the resulting fracture during impact and how the glass has retained the weight of the impactor. Tests were carried out by the bre - www.bregroup.com.

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Jan/Feb 2019

27

DAYLIGHTING ICONS The biggest: the best: the most awe-inspiring; the most outrageous; the most influential...

In this regular feature we indulge ourselves and our readers with images of daylighting projects throughout the years that simply deserve a double page photograph...

Shanghai Oriental Art Center Abbreviated to SHOAC, the Shanghai Oriental Art Centre is one of the leading performance and cultural facilities in Shanghai.

The building was designed

by French architect Paul Andreu and the Huadong Architectural Design & Research Institute.

The façades are mainly laminated glass incorporating perforated metal sheets.

The dark granite floors and multi-layered glass screen walls aim to create a softly diffused forest floor effect.

The separate “petals” of the construction are hung with large distinctly colored pebbles to differentiate them.

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DAYLIGHTING ICONS

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Jan/Feb 2019

29

@Daylighting_Mag

Twitterings Follow us for regular updates between issues... in the meantime, more highlights...

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Jan/Feb 2019

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DAYLIGHTING MAGAZINE

DAYLIGHTING Magazine back issues Click on any of the cover images below to open a back issue Issue 2 Jan/Feb 2017

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER BUILDINGS

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DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER BUILDINGS

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER BUILDINGS

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Controlling heat & glare

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RETAIL SECTOR

DELIVERING DAYLIGHT DEEP INTO BUILDINGS

• DAYLIGHTING IN EDUCATION • LIGHT TRANSMISSION: FACTORS TO CONSIDER • ROOF SAFETY • TRANSLUCENT CLADDING AND MORE

• ROOFLIGHTS & NON-FRAGILITY • PASSIVHAUS • DAYLIGHTING IIN MUSEUMS & GALLERIES AND MORE

Jan/Feb 2018

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DELIVERING DAYLIGHT TO DUNDEE’S NEW V&A

EDITOR Paul Bennett paul@daylightingmag.co.uk Tel: 01295 711666 Mobile: 07900 895110 AD SALES adsales@bennettand partners.co.uk Tel: 01295 711666 DESIGN/PRODUCTION production@bennettand partners.co.uk Tel: 01295 711666 WEBSITE www.daylightingmag.co.uK

IN THIS ISSUE:

IN THIS ISSUE:

• DAYLIGHTING DESIGN • FIRE SAFETY • FACTORIES & WAREHOUSES • DOMESTIC PROPERTIES • AND MORE

CONTROLLING

CLIMATEBASED DAYLIGHT MODELLING

HEAT& GLARE • DAYLIGHTING IN SCHOOLS • LISTED BUILDINGS • ROOF SAFETY • FIRE SAFETY AND MORE

at Central Park Tower, New York

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INNOVATIVE

REFURB

PLUS: • ROOFLIGHTS & SECURITY • TRANSLUCENT CLADDING • ROOF SAFETY • NEWS • PROJECTS AND MORE

• INDUSTRIAL ROOFLIGHTS • HEALTH & WELLBEING • TRANSLUCENT CLADDING AND MORE

Sept/Oct 2018

Nov/Dec 2018

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While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content, the publisher does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.

This publication contains editorial photographs which may have been supplied and paid for by suppliers. Full terms and conditions can be found on our website.

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20th ANNIVERSARY

1998 – 2018

Shaping the future of daylighting for over twenty years.

NARM, the National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers,

is the influential trade association representing the UK’s rooflight industry. We are closely involved in developing and implementing legislation affecting UK rooflighting. Choosing rooflights from a NARM member company is the simple and certain way to ensure adherence to standards and legislation. You can also gain access to a wealth of free and objective specification information on our website: www.narm.org.uk BOOK OUR CPD SEMINAR