CASE STUDY
Fairhurst Design
Telephone: 01993 833155
At Robinsons Brewery, a historic brewhouse has been revitalised with light. Architect Jill Dudley of Fairhurst Design, wanted to brighten the visitor centre while respecting the brewery’s industrial character. To achieve this, they collaborated with The Rooflight Co on a bespoke Lantern Rooflight installed atop the dramatic barrel vault roof. Formed from modular sections with motorised openings, it quietly floods the exhibition space with natural light and fresh air. Finished to blend with its surroundings, the rooflight transforms the visitor experience; an elegant intervention where heritage and modern performance meet overhead.
Bespoke Lantern Rooflight for Robinsons Brewery’s visitor centre in Stockport. An 18,966mm x 1,870mm modular lantern rooflight comprising eighteen sections, with six fixed and twenty motorised opening casements, finished in Basalt Grey externally and light grey internally, installed within a barrel vault roof to flood the exhibition space with natural light and provide controlled natural ventilation.
‘The Rooflight Co manufactures a steel rooflight which has the right visual and physical qualities for this project. We wanted something that would look visually attractive both inside and out. The final product also needed to be in keeping with the traditional surroundings and The Rooflight Co were able to achieve this with their design. The rooflight was included in the overall planning approval for the project; there were no problems with the rooflight being passed in the planning application. The rooflight is performing well and visually suits the space and our client’s requirements. We are very happy with the end result.’
Jill Dudley
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Fairhurst Design
Robinsons Brewery is one of Stockport’s most recognisable industrial landmarks, with a rich brewing heritage dating back over 185 years. As part of a major refurbishment of the brewery’s brewhouse and visitor centre, the aim was to modernise the internal spaces while preserving the building’s strong industrial character. A key part of the transformation focused on improving natural light and ventilation within the exhibition space, housed beneath a dramatic barrel vault roof structure. Architect Jill Dudley of Fairhurst Design was appointed to lead the extensive refurbishment and was keen to introduce a rooflight solution that would respect the existing architecture, enhance the visitor experience, and meet modern performance requirements. From the outset, the brief for the rooflight was both technically and aesthetically demanding. Jill Dudley required a large-scale rooflight that would suit a barrel vault roof while sitting comfortably within the industrial language of the building. The rooflight needed to deliver high levels of daylight deep into the exhibition space below, helping to create a bright, welcoming space for visitors. A key consideration was aesthetics. The rooflight had to blend seamlessly with the surrounding buildings rather than dominate, so careful consideration was given to the frame colour. In addition, the brief called for a combination of fixed and openable casements to provide effective natural ventilation, helping to regulate internal temperatures and improve comfort for visitors throughout the year. To achieve this level of bespoke detailing and performance, Jill approached The Rooflight Co to develop a tailored solution. Working closely with Fairhurst Design, The Rooflight Co’s design team developed a bespoke Lantern Rooflight specifically engineered to suit the barrel vault roof form. Measuring an impressive 18,966mm
in length by 1,870mm in width, the rooflight was designed as a modular system, allowing it to be manufactured, transported, and installed efficiently despite its scale. The final design comprised eighteen individual modular sections, joined together to create a single, continuous Lantern Rooflight. This modular approach ensured structural integrity while maintaining the clean lines and refined appearance required by the architect. To ensure the rooflight blended harmoniously with the surrounding industrial buildings, the external finish was specified in Basalt Grey, to complement the existing materials and help the rooflight sit discreetly within the roofscape. Internally, the rooflight was finished in light grey, creating a softer visual presence and enhancing the diffusion of natural daylight into the space below. In total, the Lantern Rooflight incorporated six fixed shut casements and twenty motorised opening casements. The opening sections were fitted with switch-operated chain drive motors, enabling controlled natural ventilation to the exhibition space beneath. This combination of fixed and openable elements delivered both visual consistency and practical environmental control. The bespoke rooflight solution has transformed the atmosphere of the visitor centre, flooding the space with natural light while enhancing the architectural qualities of the barrel vault roof. The integration of motorised opening casements provides effective natural ventilation, improving thermal comfort within the building. Visually, the rooflight sits comfortably within the industrial context of the building, achieving the architect’s goal of a contemporary intervention that respects the brewery’s heritage. The project stands as a successful collaboration between architect and manufacturer, demonstrating how a bespoke rooflight solution can combine form, function, and performance to elevate a historic industrial space.
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Meet the experts behind this project – our dedicated team who brought this vision to life.
Passionate about properties of distinction, Phil understands the delicate balance between preserving the integrity of historic buildings and delivering high-quality, high-performing natural top lighting solutions. With exacting standards, Phil recognises that prestigious properties require not only superior products but also a bespoke service that supports every stage of the project. Collaborating closely with our Design Engineers, Phil advises on some of our most complex and highly confidential projects, where discretion and sensitivity are paramount both nationally and internationally.
Kathryn is a skilled Design Manager who combines creative thinking with practical engineering insight. Grounded in realistic and achievable design principles, she brings clarity and innovation to even the most complex rooflight challenges. Passionate about delivering exceptional results, Kathryn is committed to ensuring your specification requirements are not only met—but exceeded. With extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in natural toplighting solutions, she is a trusted partner throughout the design process. Her approach ensures that every solution is thoughtfully designed, high-performing, and tailored to the unique needs of your project.
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