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.
