Lighting up the Henry Moore Foundation

Project Overview

Set within the world-renowned Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Perry Green, Hertfordshire, the redevelopment of Sheep Field Barn represents a thoughtful balance between architectural innovation and respect for an important cultural landscape.

Originally constructed as an agricultural building in the 1970s and later converted into a gallery space, the barn has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and extension by architects DSDHA. The transformed building now provides enhanced gallery, exhibition and educational facilities at the heart of the Henry Moore Foundation estate, creating a welcoming destination for visitors while maintaining a strong connection to its rural surroundings.

A key aspect of the design was the introduction of natural daylight throughout the building. To achieve this, Stella Rooflight was commissioned to manufacture and supply a series of bespoke conservation rooflights designed specifically for the project.

Designed for Light, Built for Longevity

In heritage and cultural projects, rooflights must do more than simply introduce daylight. They must complement the architecture, preserve visual integrity and deliver long-term performance with minimal maintenance.

For Sheep Field Barn, Stella supplied a range of bespoke conservation rooflights manufactured entirely from marine-grade 316L stainless steel. Chosen for its exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, 316L stainless steel provides a significantly longer service life than mild steel alternatives, making it particularly well suited to prestigious public buildings where longevity is essential.

Finished in a textured RAL 7022 Umbra Grey powder coating, the rooflights sit comfortably within the barn’s contemporary agricultural aesthetic while maintaining a discreet appearance within the metal roofscape.

A Bespoke Solution

The project included both fixed and electrically opening rooflights, each individually designed to suit the building’s layout and daylighting requirements.

The 11 fixed rooflights measured 2300mm x 1975mm internally and featured single, uninterrupted double-glazed units to maximise daylight penetration into the gallery spaces.
Alongside these, Stella supplied 7 linked opening rooflights measuring 2150mm x 1800mm, incorporating genuine glazing bars and concealed electric actuators to provide both natural ventilation and daylight.

The opening units utilise twin KA54 actuators, delivering a controlled 350mm opening while maintaining the clean internal appearance demanded by the architectural design.

Internally, each rooflight was fitted with a painted Douglas Fir liner finished in white, helping to reflect natural light deeper into the building and create a bright, welcoming environment for visitors.

Managing Light Throughout the Day

As a gallery and educational environment, controlling daylight was just as important as introducing it.

To provide flexibility throughout the year, Stella supplied bespoke electrically operated pleated blackout and dimout blinds integrated into the rooflight design. The mains-powered systems allow staff to manage light levels according to exhibitions, educational activities and seasonal conditions.

The blind systems were designed specifically for the rooflights and operated via multi-channel handsets, ensuring convenient control across the building.

Supporting Contemporary Architecture in a Heritage Setting

The Sheep Field Barn project demonstrates how carefully designed rooflights can play a pivotal role in the success of a building.

By introducing generous levels of natural daylight from above, the rooflights help create bright gallery spaces, enhance visitor experience and strengthen the relationship between the building and the surrounding landscape that inspired so much of Henry Moore’s work.

At the same time, the bespoke nature of the design ensures the rooflights remain visually sympathetic to the architecture, allowing the building itself, the exhibitions and the landscape beyond to remain the focus.