Work is now complete on a £4.4 million expansion of Kingswood Academy in Hull, following an increase in demand for places. The new Russell Building comprises 12 new classrooms; two offices; a new dining area and servery, including indoor and outdoor seating; toilets; and plant rooms. Main contractor, Sewell Construction was tasked with delivering the extension – a three-storey stand-alone building at the rear of the existing school. Howells Patent Glazing was appointed by Sewell Construction to design, supply and install three flat-top rooflights for the new building. These sit amongst a sea of solar panels and to either side of two rooftop air conditioning units. The rooflights were specified to maximise natural light in the atrium. To achieve the highest possible light levels, Howells used its structural glass rafters to reinforce the structure. These provide support without breaking the sight lines. There are six 39mm glass rafters in total; two per rooflight, each made from Class 2 safety glass. Due to the design of the Howells flat- top rooflight only the glass element with a black painted edge border can be seen from above or below. Out of sight, the aluminium structure is powder coated for durability.
