Gibson Mill, West Yorkshire

Client: The National Trust
Architect: Eco Arc, Ecological Architecture Practice
Contractor: William Birch & Sons
Installer: Coverstructure
Type of works: supply of 54 VITRAL F58-2 aluminium roof-glazing panels, spanning 13.2 x 2.8m. Including 15 fully-integrated opening panels, the roof has a 25º pitch.

Due to Gibson Mills' remote location, and lack of 20th century mains services, this groundbreaking project has been renovated as a model of sustainable development, being run with minimum impact on its environment. Avoiding the use of electricity, the VITRAL roof glazing system was chosen to maximise daylight influx without having to create extra doors and windows.

The £1.6million project was funded jointly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire Forward and other sources. It is a flagship project for The National Trust.

Andrew Yeats, Principle Architect for Eco Arc said: “The VITRAL roof glazing system mirrors the historic images of clerestory glazing as used in the original weaving and shed building. The system is excellent and the refined modular design reduces sight lines. It is both practical and in keeping with this fantastic conservation project.”

John C Moorey at The National Trust commented: “The National Trust is pleased that we have been able to utilise this modern rooflight system to replicate the glazed ridge that illuminated this weaving shed when a working mill so many years ago.”