Leading UK manufacturer of rooflights, Xtralite, has supplied a range of bespoke glazing units to the British Airways Flight Training base at Heathrow.
Home to 16 state-of-the-art simulators the Flight Simulator Training Hall located within a Grade II listed structure boasts an impressive architectural pedigree and a stunning arched concrete roof on canted trusses.
During a recent refurbishment it became apparent the existing Georgian wired glass rooflights did not meet thermal requirements and were leaking into the hall. The water ingress along with the thermal inequalities could have caused a major problem to the simulators due to the specific temperature range they operate within.
Cambell Lean Project Manager for ISG commented: “There were many considerations for the construction of the new rooflight. Obviously light was a key element but because of the area covered and with the heat emitted from the simulators, thermal qualities and heat efficiency were of huge importance.”
A specific environmental heating and lighting strategy was developed for the simulator hall to ensure energy efficiencies were taken into account. Considerations were also given to the weight of a roof structure and its design as there were no recorded drawings advising of the existing roof’s structural integrity. This resulted in Xtralite developing a bespoke polycarbonate light weight system that also complemented the building’s aesthetics.
The unique aluminium framed polycarbonate glazing system designed by Xtralite incorporated Lumira® technology which offers excellent light transmission and diffusion for shadow less-light quality. Additional to this the system offers substantial insulation performance due to the limited heat conduction of the Lumira® translucent aerogel granules. Overall with this system a typical Ud value as low as 0.91 W/m²/K. can be achieved.
Jim Lowther Sales Director for Xtralite commented: “This was a particularly interesting project, mainly due to the intricate installation requirements. We were working at heights of up to 14 metres above the place where the simulators were to be housed. The polycarbonate system was the perfect solution for the BA building it made installation easier, offered the credentials essential for the build requirements and looked great in place of the old Georgian glazing system.”
Cambell Lean concluded: “The Xtralite team worked well. The rooflight replacement was not originally part of the initial plans however the team managed to work easily into the schedule and provide a rooflight structure that fitted well providing excellent daylight and efficiency requirements.”
