The Royal Gunpowder Mills, a historically significant industrial site located in Waltham Abbey, Essex, recently undertook a major restoration project aimed at preserving its unique architectural heritage while enhancing the building’s energy performance. The project required new rooflights that would seamlessly integrate with the historical fabric of the structure while offering modern, high-performance glazing.
Stella Rooflight was chosen by Principle Contractor and specialist heritage restoration firm, Bakers of Danbury, due to their expertise in manufacturing bespoke conservation rooflights that combine traditional aesthetics with advanced modern performance.
Restoring the Royal Gunpowder Mills posed a unique set of challenges due to its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument – the highest protection that can be given to a historic site. The site’s historical importance meant that the restoration team needed to adhere to strict conservation guidelines, ensuring any additions were sympathetic to the original design and character of the building. The new rooflights had to reflect the heritage style while meeting modern building regulations, including improved thermal performance.
Stella provided three, bespoke, fixed design rooflights, designed to blend harmoniously with the traditional architecture, using marine-grade stainless steel frames for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. The interior was finished with high-quality hardwood American Ash liners, giving the rooflights an authentic period appearance that matched the original timber features of the building.
For the glazing specification, the rooflights were fitted with 6mm toughened heat-soaked BioClean Natura glass, which features self-cleaning and solar control properties. This advanced glass not only allows abundant natural light into the space but also reduces the need for regular cleaning. The glass units incorporate a 16mm black warm edge spacer and are filled with argon gas to provide excellent thermal insulation and significantly reduce heat loss.
With their slender steel frames, which fit flush within the roof line and authentic glazing bars, the bespoke Stella rooflights have ensured that the buildings retain their original character.
www.stellarooflight.co.uk
Find out more about Stella Rooflight on their member profile page here
Member-created content 6 months ago | From members