The University of Huddersfield

Client: Dortech
Architect: Darnton Elgee
Main contractor: BAM Construction
Type of works: supply and installation of mono pitch atrium skylight.

The University of Huddersfield is a modern and successful university with an established background in the creative arts and a long history of teaching and research. It has over 20,000 students on over 500 courses.

In 2007 Dortech secured the glazing contract for the University of Huddersfield’s new Creative Arts Media Building. The new building was designed to offer innovative teaching and research facilities for music and creative arts students and staff, housing state-of-the-art lecture halls, computer labs, practice and rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and concert hall. Dortech was commissioned to design, manufacture, supply and install a range of structural glazing, curtain walling, windows, doors and rooflights to reflect the university’s values in creative art and design. Due to the highly complex geometry of the atrium rooflight design, Dortech selected SkyLight Solutions as their specialist sub-contractor.

SkyLight Solutions worked closely with BAM Construction to design, manufacture and install a 15 degree mono pitch atrium skylight. With a series of tapers and curves, the structure incorporates 82 different sections of glazing, each unique in shape and size, which SkyLight Solutions custom designed and built. SkyLight Solutions selected glazing consisting of 6mm toughened solar control Pilkington Activ glass, a 16mm argon gas cavity and 10.8mm clear laminated inner. It installed a Schüco FW50+ glazing system, pre-treated and powder coated the aluminium framework, pressings and mounting brackets. The skylight is supported by a structural steel frame comprising of castellated beams and a central mid-span support.

The atrium skylight was delivered on time and on budget, within six months of ordering. The solar controlled glass provides high performance for the building, reducing heat gain and increasing insulation. It also supports the design to capture the creative values of the university and create an effective acoustic environment for teaching and learning. The Creative Arts Media Building was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in May 2008.

“SkyLight Solutions provided an excellent service from design through to installation during the Creative Arts Media Building (CAB) project. They responded well to demanding site conditions and their quality was excellent. Following this contract we have developed a strong relationship with SkyLight Solutions and will continue to use them on future projects.We have since awarded the Huddersfield Business School roof glazing package to them.” James Sutherland, Managing Director, Dortech Architectural

“BAM seeks to offer the highest quality to its clients by working collaboratively with its supply chain to deliver value. It was a pleasure to work with SkyLight Solutions on our recent University of Huddersfield project. They provided an excellent job glazing this highly complex, large and challenging building and the design service they provided was second to none. I can’t recommend them highly enough.They are an extremely competent and professional company.” Chris Gallagher, Senior Site Manager, BAM Construction