Case Studies: Public Buildings
Somerset House, The Strand, London
Architects: Forme UK
Project Architect: Garry Griffiths
Alterations to listed buildings are always fraught with problems but when that building is one of London’s most famous landmarks the problems and constraints are magnified with every aspect of the project being scrutinised at every stage.
The Somerset House Trust briefed architects, Forme UK, with the challenge of creating extra office space in the South wing of this iconic building from internal storage areas and corridors which were previously ‘land locked’ and devoid of any natural light. The space also included the historic “Model Room” where models of warships were displayed on view so that the Admirals of the Fleet could choose the new vessels to be added to the Royal Navy.
Project Architect, Garry Griffiths specified 6 low profile standard Plateau rooflights from the Rooflight Company to give him the level of daylight he required to create habitable office spaces with a bright and airy feel. An added complication for Garry was the fact that unsightly ventilation pipes were situated just a few centimetres above the roofline and these would become conspicuous and permanently on view from the new offices beneath.
To overcome this problem and conceal the pipe work from view Garry specified the 600 x 1200 plateaus with diffused laminated glass as the outer panes of the DGU’s. The diffused glass would also serve to reduce the required cleaning frequency as grime and bird lime would be concealed with these opaque panels.
The Plateaus were finished and trimmed in dark grey with a matching Thermoliner so that they would blend with other rooflights installed in a previous phase and sit sympathetically with the roof material.
To provide ventilation for the new offices 4 of the plateaus were fitted with electric actuators whereas the 2 units located directly beneath the ventilation pipes were fixed shut to ensure that they could not come into contact with the overhead obstructions.
The project has created a pleasing, bright and airy environment for its occupants whilst respecting the integrity of this historic building and Garry Griffiths is delighted with the result: “We were delighted with the rooflights as they answered all our challenges and their ultra low profile meant that they slotted neatly beneath the overhead pipe work whilst remaining out of view”.
