University of Cambridge Primary School

350 square meters of structural glazing from VELUX Commercial was installed to bring natural light and ventilation to the University of Cambridge Primary School – part of the much larger Northwest Cambridge development. 

The unusual shape of the building, coupled with the 15˚ pitch roof, required more non-standard shapes of glazing, kerbs and upstands to be installed effectively whilst maintaining the required performance. A natural ventilation system adequate for the high ceilings was also essential for the energy efficiency of the building envelope.

To provide the right level of illumination, nine bespoke rooflights were recommended and designed to specification.  This included a self-supporting, thermally enhanced trapezium wedge shaped rooflight that was designed to suit the unusual shape and curves of the building.

A vertical back frame sits 1.6m above the outer radius roof to account for the opposite 15˚ pitch and to accommodate the louvre damper system, which provides natural ventilation. The thermally enhanced rooflight system with insulated gable ends was designed for optimum thermal performance of the roof openings.

Other products specified included seven ventilating flat glass rooflights in two different sizes that were fitted to the outer and inner radius of the school.