Lead has long been a popular choice for flat roofs in the UK and Europe, with a rich history dating back centuries. Its prevalence can be traced back to medieval times, where lead was prized for its durability and pliability, allowing craftsmen to create intricate designs that adorned the rooftops of castles, cathedrals, and manor houses. The use of lead on flat roofs became synonymous with prestige and sophistication, symbolising wealth and craftsmanship in the architectural landscape of the time. This enduring tradition of lead roofing persisted through various architectural movements and periods, evolving with advancements in construction techniques throughout the centuries.
Preserving the aesthetic of lead on the historic buildings of today is crucial not only for maintaining the authenticity of their design but also for upholding their cultural significance. Lead roof features also provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate natural lighting elements. By integrating rooflights into the lead roofing structure, a balance between traditional aesthetics and functionality can be achieved. These natural lighting features not only enhance the visual aesthetics of the building but also improve ventilation and light distribution within the interior spaces, ultimately contributing to the overall comfort and well-being of the building's occupants.
Likewise, when extending historic properties of significance with new wings or extensions, it is essential that the new architectural additions are in harmony with the original structure, while meeting modern Building Regulations. Balancing the preservation of the historical integrity of the building with the need for contemporary functionality and safety measures presents a unique opportunity to showcase architectural skill. A notable example of this intricate balance can be seen in the renovation project undertaken at the Royal College of Surgeons building in Edinburgh, where the addition of a new facility to the college required meticulous planning and execution.
The assignment encompassed the need to seamlessly integrate the new facility's design with the existing historic structure, ensuring a cohesive blend of old and new elements. The architectural team faced the task of preserving the heritage aesthetics of the surrounding buildings while implementing innovative construction techniques to meet the regulatory standards of the modern era. Striking the delicate balance between honouring the past and embracing the future, the project at the Royal College of Surgeons exemplifies the intricate process of expanding historic properties while upholding architectural integrity.
The facility, intended to accommodate the College’s Surgical Training Centre, was designed with a lead roof, paying homage to the elegant and timeless designs seen in historic rooftops. Adam Dudley Architects specified flat roof lights to be installed onto this lead roof. The installation of rooflights on lead flat roofs demands attention to detail, with a focus on the importance of a well-designed, ventilated kerb upstand to maintain both proper ventilation and waterproofing. This planning ensures compliance with the energy efficiency requirements outlined by Part L Building Regulations, specifically adhering to the 0.35W/m2K limiting factor for the kerb upstand alone.
Adam Dudley Architects turned to The Rooflight Co for support. The Conservation Plateau, designed to complement historic properties and align with the aesthetics of its pitched counterpart The Conservation Rooflight, is purposefully designed for installing into lead roofs. The Conservation Plateau rooflight for flat roofs stems from The Rooflight Co’s detailed understanding of delivering sympathetically designed rooflights for pitched roofs. Taking design cues from The Original Conservation Rooflight such as being top hung with exposed hinges, having glazing bars for larger expanses of glass, and a low profile frame height, the Conservation Plateau is the only rooflight specifically design for historic flat roofs.
Adam Dudley Architects selected the Conservation Plateau to support their aim of balancing the new structure with the original surrounding architecture, along with its compatibility with lead roofs. Drawing from the classic technique of lead flashing with overlapping layers, the distinctive skirt base-frame design of the Conservation Plateau allows the rooflight frame to elegantly glide over the kerb upstand and lead flashing, creating a visually striking and authentically lapped feature.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh now features 10 Conservation Plateau rooflights measuring 1100mm x 1700mm and featuring the distinctive heritage glazing bar on each rooflight, perfectly complementing the historic surroundings.
Internally, each rooflight is fitted above shallow lightwells, directing daylight down into the expansive main hall, enhancing the visual comfort throughout the room. The strategic integration of directional natural light from above combines with the smaller spotlights within the space creating a warm environment as sunlight casts reflections on the treated wooden floors.
The overall impact of the building is a seamless addition to the college, employing traditional methods and materials to bring this facility to life.
The timeless allure of lead roofing in historic buildings represents a link to our architectural heritage, allowing us to honour the past while embracing the future. By incorporating modern innovations such as the installation of Conservation Plateau Rooflights atop lead roofs, we not only safeguard the historical charm of these structures but also address contemporary needs for energy efficiency and natural lighting. The delicate process of integrating new architectural elements with existing historic structures, as demonstrated in the renowned Royal College of Surgeons project, showcases the intricate balance between preservation and progress. By partnering with specialised providers like The Rooflight Co and employing meticulous design and planning, architects and conservationists can ensure that the harmonious fusion of old and new elements is achieved, ultimately enhancing the aesthetic, functionality, and sustainability of such revered buildings for generations to come.
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