A new school in Cambridge, with unprecedented links to the City’s University, has pushed the boundaries of architectural design for educational establishments. And, in order to facilitate the project, the products of leading roof light manufacturer, Xtralite have been called on to provide as much natural light as possible ensuring a pleasant environment for both children and staff.
Willmott Dixon, contractors of the University of Cambridge Primary School on the development, has installed a range of products from Xtralite equating to over 350 sq metres of glazing in different areas of the school including the hall, dining hall, classrooms and seminar rooms.
“Xtralite has a formidable reputation in the industry and we wanted the very best products in this building to fulfil the architectural vision and give longevity and durability,” commented Fraser Driver design manager for Willmott Dixon. “The unique, cutting edge design of this circular school meant that we needed complete flexibility from our suppliers to be able to fulfil the architect’s brief and we are delighted with the service and the quality of the products from the Xtralite team.”
The units predominantly were Xtralite X-Span - a bespoke site assembled glazing system that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In this case a self supporting, thermally enhanced trapezium wedge shaped roof light system that was pitched at 15° was created to allow for the unusual shape and curves of the building. Other products specified included opening roof lights operated by chain to allow ventilation which were situated throughout selected areas of the building.
“The whole project demonstrates visionary planning and architectural design by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye, whom I understand liaised with the University’s Faculty of Education and leading educational experts to create a learning environment that will stimulate students and fulfil its aims of being a University Training School,” commented Jim Lowther sales director Xtralite. “We are delighted to have worked with the entire team and embraced the challenges of such a unique design – of which the end result is quite spectacular.”
The University of Cambridge Primary School forms part of a long term project led by the University of Cambridge – North West Cambridge Development - on 150 hectares of land which will see homes, research facilities and open spaces be created as an urban extension to Cambridge.
Further information can be found by visiting www.xtralite.co.uk or by calling 01670 354 157.