Landmark museum benefits from dramatic renovation   

Leading rooflight manufacturer, Xtralite, has provided rooflights to a popular tourist attraction in the heart of London that has benefitted from a dramatic £23.75m renovation which has transformed the building and its interior.

The National Army Museum, situated in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is home to the country’s best collection of army memorabilia and a series of new displays and interactive exhibits tell the story of the British Army like never before.

During the renovation the building has been remodelled and several rooflights were required to be replaced. Xtralite was commissioned to provide bespoke rooflights via the contractor for the project.

Rooflights were chosen due to the thermal values offered and the compliance above and beyond Part L Building Regulations. In addition, detailed specifications were met including a feature rooflight (measuring 11m x 5.86m) in the atrium of the building flooding the area with natural light. It required a cold smoke ventilation openable by fireman switch. This louvre system is tested to EN12101-2 for natural smoke venting, EN12207 for air permeability and EN12208 for water tightness giving building facilities managers and end users complete confidence in the safety of the fabric of the building.

In addition, two X-Span self-supporting monopitch roof lights were commissioned for the Templar Study Centre which will provide a space for learning to be utilised by school visits and students to the museum.

Jim Lowther from Xtralite commented; “We are proud to have played our part in the preservation of this London landmark and important tourist attraction which preserves a part of our history for future generations. It highlights the flexibility of our products and range of capabilities in dealing with specific briefs taking into account existing building constraints and any planning or conservation requirements.

“Fulfilling such a wide range of specifications highlights the flexibility of our product range and capabilities to facilitate both refurbishment in old buildings whilst providing a modern ay facility for visitors and employees alike.”