In 2009, Derby Roundhouse opened its doors to students after a £48m redevelopment scheme. A decade later, the Rooflight Company looks back at one of its favourite projects, and recounts what it was like to be specified on this historic building.

Constructed in 1839, the Roundhouse in Derby is the world’s first and oldest surviving railway roundhouse. Following closure of Derby Railway Works, it narrowly escaped demolition, before the area was skillfully transformed into the main campus of Derby College.

The Rooflight Company was approached by Maber Architects who undertook the Roundhouse’s restoration and transformation. The roof posed the biggest challenge due its poor condition, and because it provided one of the few opportunities to improve the building’s thermal performance. Part of the reconstruction involved reinstating a ring of 48 trapezoidal rooflights, of which 36 open remotely using electric actuators. Employing straight bars, the 2.3-metre long units follow the line of the roof hip.

Derby Roundhouse was built in 1839 and is the world’s first and oldest surviving railway roundhouse (ph: North East Midland Photographic Record)

Bespoke Conservation Rooflights from the Rooflight Company were specified for the project, providing the necessary ventilation and thermal requirements. Equally importantly, the units’ slender frames matched the appearance of the original roof windows. The project also included 64 Studio Designer rooflights, which are closely linked to the Conservation Rooflight, and measure up to 3×1.6 metres. The units are installed on former carriage shops and engine sheds, following the runs of the original rooflights.

The Roundhouse had become dilapidated prior to redevelopment

“The roof of the Roundhouse had been severely compromised over the latter half of the twentieth century by fire, removal of the slates, structural movement and removal of the rooflights, explains managing director of Maber Architects, Ian Harris. “The conservation approach for this particular element of the scheme was one of restoration, so we wanted to reinstate the roof in accordance with contemporary etchings and photographs from the 1860s. When it came to the rooflights, there were a limited number of manufacturers who could provide a product that was suitable in terms of glass weight, section size and span. We specified the Rooflight Company since their Conservation Rooflight met our very specific list of requirements.”

“Each one of the new rooflights has slightly different dimensions, reflecting the nature of the original building and its movement over time making site measurement and accurate manufacture absolutely critical. The original Victorian rooflights were all fixed, however, the new heating and ventilation design required one in three of the rooflights to be openable. We were very clear that the fixed and openable lights must have the same section sizes so that they are indistinguishable from each other when closed. The Rooflight Company were able to ensure we achieved this, even with our longest glazing spans.”

“Many people who worked on this project at the time described it as a labour of love and the resulting attention to detail is still clearly evident. Ten years since we completed it’s latest incarnation, The Roundhouse is still looking fantastic as the beating heart of Derby College.”

The hexadecagon-shaped roof features 48 bespoke trapezoidal Conservation Rooflights

In 2010 Derby Roundhouse won Project of the Year at the RICS Awards. More information about the scheme is available at www.maber.co.uk/projects/the-roundhouse-interiors/

Frequently specified on restoration projects, the Conservation Rooflight is the original and most authentic rooflight available. It was invented by architect and company founder Peter King more than 25 years ago, and in 2019 remains the best in its class. The range of sizes and options available means that architects can preserve the integrity of historic buildings without cutting rafters.

The Rooflight Company is the latest construction industry business to announce a move to employee ownship. The news comes at the same time as London-based architectural practice Assael revealed that it turned down a large offer from the United States, before also making the decision to become an EO company.

Contact Details
Find out more about the Rooflight Company and its range of rooflights, from conservation to contemporary, as well as bespoke options at www.therooflightcompany.co.uk

To find out more about employee ownership, please contact Val King on EO@therooflightcompany.co.uk