YORK GALLERY

Project Info

PROJECT: York Art Gallery

CLIENT: Simpson (York) Limited

MARKET SECTOR: Cultural

PRODUCTS USED: VITRAL Roof Glazing

RED PROJECT VALUE: £75k

Requirement

RED Systems were appointed as rooflight sub-contractor of a prestigious installation at York Art Gallery. The VITRAL A74 modular rooflight system was specified by Architects Simpson & Brown and installed by RED Systems through main contractor Simpsons of York Ltd. One of the project requirements was to achieve 100% UV reduction in the glass whilst ensuring sufficient light was transmitted allowing artwork to be viewed and preserved for years to come.

Background

York Art Gallery is an inspiring place, such that when it was given planning consent to renovate this Grade II listed building careful attention was paid to ensure its character remained. Opening a roof void that had been closed up since the 1950’s was one of the biggest alterations, which is where the new rooflights are now situated. The initial glimpse up into the new first floor gallery is surprising, greatly impressive and creates good visual connections that encourage you to not only explore the displayed pottery but also to experience anew the building as a whole.

Project Comment

This project was a real privilege to be involved in. The design brief we were given was delivered to such a high standard that it contributed towards it winning 4 RIBA awards including the RIBA National Award in 2016.

Jonathan Nash Head of Sales & Estimating

Design

Due to the high level of Victorian-era glazing used in the original build the space was unsuitable to house ancient pottery and other artefacts that could be subject to UV degradation. One of RED’s biggest challenges on the project was not only to find a glass capable of 100% UV reduction but to meet the spectral data requirements of the client’s building consultants ARUP.