Howells completes iconic department store restoration
Howells Patent Glazing has designed and manufactured roof lights for Barkers family department store in Northallerton. The store dates back to 1882 and recently embarked on planned maintenance to replace the rooflights in all four atriums positioned in the centre of the store.
Using its HG57 medium duty self-supporting glazing bar powder coated in RAL 7024 matt, the new rooflights feature 28mm double glazed units comprising an outer pane of 6mm toughened clear solar control with self-clean coating; 16mm argon filled cavity with black warm edge spacer; and 6mm toughened inner pane. The centre pane achieves U-value 1.0W/m2K.
The opening size of the first roof light measures 9,660mm and includes three opening lights operated by 240V actuators each wired to an internal control panel with rain and temperature sensors.
The second is a smaller mono pitched roof light with no openings, measuring 3,911mm wide. Numbers three and four are single pitch roof lights with an opening size of 7,120mm and three opening lights each.
Challenging installation
There were many challenges associated with this project, for both Barkers and Howells. The biggest problem for Howells was installing during an intense heat wave. At peak times the high temperature reportedly caused the bars and glass to heat up and they became too hot to handle.
Working at height also meant that the installation team needed additional sun protection and had to stay hydrated. Howells introduced a shorter working day to prevent heat exhaustion.
To avoid delays caused by the searing heat, Howells employed a second installation team to speed up the installation. The roof lights were completed in around one month.
Customer experience
The roof lights are said to be vital to the store’s unique shopping experience, allowing natural light to flood the upper floor. “Natural light is important for our customers to see and appreciate a true reflection of the colour of the clothes and accessories.
“Sometimes colours can look completely different under artificial light,” said Iain Macleod, maintenance manager for Barkers.
The day lighting also supports Barkers’ commitment to looking after the environment, helping to reduce dependency on electric lighting.
Iain concluded: “The whole experience of working with Howells, from start to finish, has been fantastic. From my initial conversations with Walter Howells, to working with the installation team on site, I couldn’t fault anyone. Warren [Lowe, draughtsman at Howells Patent Glazing] was great as well. He was very helpful and organised the job perfectly.”
