Lumen rooflight has installed a stunning bespoke conical rooflight as part of extensive restoration works at the Attenborough Centre for Creative Arts (ACCA) at the University of Sussex.

Originally built in 1969, and previously known as the Gardner Arts Centre, the ACCA building was designed by architect Sir Basil Spence and listed Grade II* by English Heritage. The building had fallen into a state of disrepair, and the original conical rooflight in the building was in desperate need of replacement.

Due to its Grade II listing, the replacement rooflight needed to be an exact replica of the original and not visible externally from ground level.

The design was further challenged by the need to include improved glazing. This would require the installation of larger, much heavier glass panels, but without increasing the height of the rooflight beyond the restrictions imposed by English Heritage. Ensuring the load calculations were correct was imperative to ensure that the rooflight would not fall in on itself.

The main structure of the conical rooflight was of mild steel construction, with insulated up stand infill sections manufactured from aluminum alloy. The units are protected with a PZ770 polyester powder coat to provide a long low-maintenance life.

The glazing for the rooflight was designed to the highest quality standards using top specification Pilkington glazing. Each of the glazing units incorporate Activ Neutral self-cleaning, argon gas filled cavities and Pilkington Optitherm S3 glass.