Built in 1839 by George Stephenson, the Grade II* listed Derby Railway Works was probably the first roundhouse in the world. By the time architects Maber took on the job of its restoration and transformation for Derby Colleges, the roundhouse had fallen into complete disrepair. The challenges were considerable; on the roundhouse itself, the roof posed the largest challenge, both because of its poor state and because it offered one of the few opportunities to improve the thermal performance. Part of the reconstruction of the roof included the reinstatement of a circle of 48 trapezoidal rooflights, of which 36 had to open remotely using electric actuators. These rooflights needed to be 2.3m long and follow the line of the roof hip, but with straight bars. “There were a limited number of companies that could do that span and make them open” said Project Architect Ian Harris. These special versions of the original Conservation Rooflight® provided the ventilation and thermal requirements, and, with their slender frames, matched the appearance of the rooflights in the original photographs. The scheme as a whole has already featured in English Heritage’s recent “Constructive Conservation” book as one of 20 exemplar projects nationwide and the Roundhouse won the RICS Project of the Year award in 2010. www.therooflightcompany.co.uk 01993 833108 Landmark Building Series: Edition 2 PROJECT ARCHITECT: MABER Trapezoidal rooflights were individually designed to perfectly fit the shape of the roof. Photograph of the Roundhouse in the 1860s. Advertisement To find out more, contact the Rooflight Company by telephone, or visit the website. The original roof had fallen into disrepair. Scan the QR code to request a brochure. The project also included 64 ‘Studio Designer’ rooflights (closely linked Conservation Rooflights®) measuring up to 3m x 1.6m, installed on former carriage shops and engine sheds closely matching the runs of original rooflights. ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
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