Popular library given new lease of "light"

A popular library, situated on a busy road in the suburb of North Watford, has been subject to an entire new roof as part of a much needed refurbishment.

Commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council, North Watford Library, has seen a rejuvenated interior created as well as a roof scheme which saw the building become water tight.

It also benefited from the replacement of the striking central atrium plus added light due to the installation of additional rooflights in the new design.

Constructed in 1937, the locally listed building designed by architect W.W. Newman who was responsible for many buildings in the area during the inter-war period, remains a significant part of the fabric of the area and as such, it was essential that a considerate scheme be created.

Rooflights were added to the new roof design to allow natural light to flood the building and negate the need for any further electric lighting, reducing the buildings energy consumption and making the environment more user friendly.

The X-Span rooflights, renowned for their thermal enhancing properties, were specified both as mono pitch and within the atrium. The X-Span system complies with the BS 6399 system Part 1 (Code of practice for dead and imposed loads), Part 2 (Code of practice for wind loads) and Part 3 (Code of practice for imposed/snow loads) giving a juxtaposition of practicality and aesthetics.

The clear glazing permits 42% light transmission flooding the building with natural light creating a relaxed atmosphere for library users.

Adam Neat Area Sales manager Xtralite commented: "This was a sympathetic replacement of the rooflights within this iconic building which is something of a local landmark. The use of our X-Span range of products allowed us to specify glass instead of polycarbonate and to ensure maximum light flooded the building. It removed glare and the intensity of heat from above whilst retaining heat from within.”

Xtralite’s range of products can suit a vast array of rooflight requirements. As a solution driven company new ways of providing new and replacement products are often sought to ensure complete customer satisfaction.