Children
attending the new £3.4m Glenpark Early Learning Centre (ELC) in Greenock
benefit from plenty of natural light and ventilation thanks to VELUX Modular
Skylights with built-in blinds.
Glenpark,
completed in summer 2018, provides 100 places for 3-4 year olds and eligible
two year olds around the Greenock area, west of Glasgow.
A
commitment by the Scottish Government to increase free early learning and
childcare hours available in Scotland from 600 to 1,140 per year by 2020 proved
to be the catalyst for creating this inspiring new development.
Glenpark,
developed by Glasgow-based main contractor CCG, is on the site of the former
Greenock Academy. It is part of Inverclyde Council’s £270 million schools
estate programme.
Natural
light has been shown to have a positive effect on the psychological wellbeing
of children in terms of mood, security and behaviour. In fact, Professor Peter
Barrett in his ‘Clever Classrooms’ study found that daylight and ventilation
can increase children’s learning capacity by up to 8%. Having good natural
light and ventilation in a learning environment is also recognised as being
beneficial to children with autism spectrum disorder.
Hardly
surprising then that The Scottish Government (2017), Health and Social Care
Standards states that natural light and fresh air should be available in all
main rooms used by children. And of course, they are beneficial to the
wellbeing of staff, too.
The
Scottish Government’s; ‘Space to Grow’ report, states specifically that:
- Natural light should be within
the playrooms used by children.
- Natural light should be in as
many areas as possible throughout the premises.
- All opportunities for
maximising natural light should be taken.
It was
felt that the most effective method of accessing these benefits at Glenpark was
through the use of rooflights.
The
designers had to factor in that many children currently sleep or rest for a
period during their time within a setting. With the expansion to 1,140 hours
per year, it is likely that more children may attend for a longer day. That
means more will sleep during the day. A consequence of this was the need to
provide skylight shading in what would be a naturally lit interior.
Holmes
Miller Architects therefore had to ensure that both children and staff could
access the benefits of natural light and ventilation, whilst identifying an
easy mechanism to control glare and provide shade.
Following
careful evaluation, Holmes Miller Architects specified VELUX Modular Skylights
because of two unique features of the system:
- In-built
blinds - provide efficient, reliable shade that is easy to control using
the VELUX INTEGRA system
- Tight in plane solution of the
VELUX Northlight – fitting closer to the roof means less outward
protrusion, creating a slimmer aesthetic
The
architects preferred the VELUX system, too, because it is modular, so reduces
installation time on site – they can be fitted up to three times faster than a
traditional installation, creating a quicker weathertight seal.
Once the
skylight system had been selected, the architects specified:
- 29 VELUX Modular Skylight units
split over seven northlight banks within a 35° slate roof.
- Integrated blinds (pre-fitted
in the factory).
- 1400mm long units in a variety
of widths.
- Light solar shading specified
for the glass.
VELUX
worked with Baker Hicks, the M&E contractors, to identify a solution to
control the actuators that open and close the skylight to allow natural
ventilation, as well as shade levels through the in-built factory fitted
blinds. Venting modules and blinds are controlled by the VELUX INTEGRA system.
VELUX
INTEGRA is a revolutionary remote-controlled, integrated blind system that
offers:
- Smooth direct drive – remote
control as well as rain and wind sensors.
- Whisper quiet motors - opens
and closes blinds without disturbing occupants.
- Tested to 13,500 cycles -
precision engineered, long life.
- Installed in minutes – simply
click into place in the pre-mounted brackets.
Skylight
International the VELUX installation partner, was awarded the sub-contract to
supply and install the Modular Skylights.
