CASE STUDY
Howl Associates
Thomas Vale Construction
Telephone: 01993 833155
Howl Associates designed the replacement primary school building on the site of the existing St. Georges School in Kidderminster. The design solution allows for a compact and efficient use of the space that gives the school clear control of public and private areas whilst also creating a flow of connectivity between the classes. The design included outdoor classrooms which combined with the central courtyard area emphasise the importance of natural light and a natural environment in learning and development. Utilising rooflights in the internal spaces was an important requirement to keep that connection with the outdoors and fill the school with an abundance of natural light.
We were approached by the architects during RIBA stage 3 to collaborate on a detailed design for the roof plan that incorporated bespoke rooflight solutions in terms of arrangement and sizing.
The design includes a showstopping bank of rooflights extending the full width and length of a corridor. In addition, we worked alongside the architect to supply further linked rooflights in the teaching bays.
The project was awarded the RIBA West Midlands Architecture Awards 2013.
This gallery highlights the transformational role of daylight at St George’s School. The images showcase the dramatic corridor rooflights, the bright classrooms and the connection to nature created through thoughtful placement of Conservation Plateau Rooflights.
“The rooflights flood the space with natural light and create a strong visual rhythm that leads the eye through to the contemporary external cloister beyond. We have used the Plateau Rooflight in this way on a number of our projects as its design allows a simple frameless appearance to be achieved internally.”
Phil Howl
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Howl Associates
Appointed by Worcestershire County Council, Howl Associates were tasked with designing a replacement primary school on the existing St George’s School site. As a key part of learning at a young age, it is important to be engaged with the real world and learning about nature within the natural environment.
This connection with outside learning and bringing nature into the classroom was at the heart of the design brief for Howl Associates. As a result, their design vision placed strong emphasis on communal spaces rich in natural light and closely linked to the surrounding forest schools. Rooflights were integral to this vision.
The design included a focal courtyard area as a central space for parents, children and teachers to engage with each other during collection times, integrating parents into the school community. During the school day the courtyard becomes a secure space for students to learn and develop. In a site where space was tight, this courtyard provides a valuable extension to the outside, to natural light and serves to connect the whole school community.
The Rooflight Co were approached by Howl Architects during RIBA Stage three of the project with a detailed roof plan. Our Bespoke Design team worked closely with the architects to create a tailored solution that accommodated both the specific sizing and placement requirements. With vertical glazing a dominant feature in the corridor also, the final effect of the bespoke Conservation Plateau Rooflights is one of light, space and a connection to the world outside.
One of the core themes of this project was to create a bright and welcoming space where the young pupils can thrive. An abundance of natural light was integral to creating that positive learning environment.
The inclusion of our rooflights ensures classrooms and communal areas benefit from as much natural daylight as possible. The design of the bespoke rooflights features a virtually frameless appearance, so when a child looks up it is as though nothing separates them from the sky.
A show-stopping bank of rooflights runs the full length of a corridor, with glazing extending almost wall to wall. To create this dramatic visual channel of light, our design team created a bespoke solution based on the Conservation Plateau Rooflight. The system consisted of four individual glazing frames fixed to two steel base structures, using our unique linking design to minimise support frame dimensions and maximise viewable glass.
Seven sets of fixed units were supplied using our recommended glazing specification of a 6.4mm laminated inner pane, meeting recognised Rooflight Association safety standards for public buildings.
Throughout the design process, The Rooflight Co coordinated closely with the architects, roofers and construction team, producing site-specific technical drawings and ensuring the installation ran smoothly, particularly at the complex junctions between rooflights, box guttering and abutting walls.
Hand-assembled in our Cotswolds studio, the bespoke rooflights were constructed from high-quality materials to meet both the aesthetic brief and the technical performance requirements. The abundance of natural light and the strong visual rhythm it creates underpin the project’s goal: to provide a learning environment that inspires curiosity, creativity and connection with the outdoors.
St George’s School was recognised for its innovative and uplifting design with a RIBA West Midlands Award in 2013.
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Meet the experts behind this project – our dedicated team who brought this vision to life.
As our lead estimator, Phil brings extensive experience in interpreting technical drawings and tender packages, with a keen ability to understand complex design requirements and identify opportunities to help clients achieve their project goals. With 10 years of experience supporting our bespoke portfolio, Phil instinctively recommends the most suitable solutions, clearly explaining intricate design considerations and working through finer technical elements to ensure the success of your project.
Jonathan is our expert design engineer, dedicated to bringing precision and performance to every bespoke rooflight project. He’ll work closely with you during the order stage to ensure all design details are fully captured, providing a comprehensive set of tailored drawings that form the foundation for a successful installation. With a hands-on approach and a keen eye for detail, Jonathan is on hand throughout the process—from initial consultation through to installation—offering ongoing technical support and guidance. His commitment ensures your rooflight is not only beautifully designed but also built to the highest standards of quality and performance.
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