The Royal Gunpowder Mills, a historically significant industrial site located in Waltham Abbey, Essex, recently undertook a major restoration project aimed at preserving its unique architectural heritage while enhancing the building’s energy performance.
The project required new rooflights that would seamlessly integrate with the historical fabric of the structure while offering modern, high-performance glazing.
Stella Rooflight was chosen by Principle Contractor and specialist heritage restoration firm, Bakers of Danbury, due to their expertise in manufacturing bespoke conservation rooflights that combine traditional aesthetics with advanced modern performance.
Restoring the Royal Gunpowder Mills posed a unique set of challenges due to its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument – the highest protection that can be given to a historic site.
The site’s historical importance meant that the restoration team needed to adhere to strict conservation guidelines, ensuring any additions were sympathetic to the original design and character of the building.
The new rooflights had to reflect the heritage style while meeting modern building regulations, including improved thermal performance.
Stella provided three, bespoke, fixed design rooflights, designed to blend harmoniously with the traditional architecture, using marine-grade stainless steel frames for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.
The interior was finished with high-quality hardwood American Ash liners, giving the rooflights an authentic period appearance that matched the original timber features of the building.
For the glazing specification, the rooflights were fitted with 6mm toughened heat-soaked BioClean Natura glass, which features self-cleaning and solar control properties. This advanced glass not only allows abundant natural light into the space but also reduces the need for regular cleaning. The glass units incorporate a 16mm black warm edge spacer and are filled with argon gas to provide excellent thermal insulation and significantly reduce heat loss.
With their slender steel frames, which fit flush within the roof line and authentic glazing bars, the bespoke Stella rooflights have ensured that the buildings retain their original character.
The aesthetic integration of the rooflights has been widely praised by the project team, who have expressed their satisfaction with the quality and craftsmanship provided by Stella Rooflight.
They noted that the bespoke rooflights not only met the stringent conservation requirements but also delivered exceptional performance in terms of durability and energy efficiency.
According to the project lead, the rooflights have significantly enhanced the functionality of the building without compromising its historical essence. Stella Rooflight’s attention to detail and understanding of the unique needs of heritage properties were instrumental in achieving this balance.
Bakers Contract Manager, Adrian Ward, said: “The Stella rooflights were the ideal choice for this Historic building. They look great!”
The restoration of the Royal Gunpowder Mills serves as a prime example of how modern engineering and design can work in harmony with historical preservation.
Stella Rooflight’s bespoke conservation rooflights have revitalised the building, making it suitable for contemporary use while honouring its storied past.
This project demonstrates that with the right expertise and materials, it is possible to achieve a sensitive and effective restoration that meets both heritage standards and modern performance expectations.
If you would like to receive a printed version of our brochure feel free to email us at info@stellarooflight.co.uk. A digital version is also available to download.
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