Roof refurb for learning environment achieves top marks!

Sale Grammar School sought specialist design input when considering their extensive roof refurbishment project. The refurbishment involved replacing all existing rooflights with an economical and aesthetically pleasing alternative. With an ambition to flood the learning environment with daylight, the project detailed several areas of scope. Adherence to the strict budget, a common factor among projects undertaken within the education sector, was also essential.

Optimum levels of daylight are well documented to help increase concentration among students, and therefore improve results. In fact, it has been proven that children who study in well-lit classrooms routinely receive test scores 15% higher than those with little or no natural daylight. Overall there are two key factors that have been proven to influence educational outcomes for students and staff alike: quantity and quality of natural light, and quality of air. Enhanced levels of light are essential for creating a feeling of wellbeing and positivity among staff and students in an education setting.

The expert team at Whitesales worked very closely with Sale Grammar School to ensure that recommended products would deliver the desired results. Whitesales recommended and supplied six Em-Line monopitches, an Em-Line gable-ended ridgelight and an eye-catching hip-ended lantern light; all of which combined to maximise natural light within the school corridors and markedly improve the learning environment. Durable structured multiwall polycarbonate was chosen as a cost-effective material, whilst having minimal impact on the building structure and maintaining good light transmission and thermal efficacy. In certain key areas of the school, glass was opted for over polycarbonate to complement the existing design aesthetic

Every school recognises the need to keep running costs low and achieve reductions in their environmental impact and carbon footprint. Our rigorously tested solutions, combined with the efficiency of the design, also facilitated a reduction in running costs for heating, lighting and power offering long-term operational cost savings.

From initial design guidance and product selection, through to maintaining an in-budget solution, we were pleased to work closely with Sale Grammar school and deliver an outstanding solution. The new rooflights have created a comfortable, pleasant space for both pupils and teachers to work in.