Pyramid rooflight from the Rooflight Company

Lansdowne School has been brought to life by incorporating a series of large, pyramid-shaped rooflights to bring in the natural light essential to the scheme.

An exciting and inspiring design for a brand new extension to a primary school has been brought to life by incorporating a series of large, pyramid-shaped rooflights to bring in the natural light essential to the scheme.

Ingleton Wood Architects were commissioned by the local education authority to design a £1.3m state-of-the-art learning and play environment for Landsdowne Primary School in Tilbury, Thurrock.

The most exciting feature of the new development is 'Rainbow Street', a large, brightly coloured multi-purpose area with attention-grabbing design features including curved walls, skylights, glass bricks and four 150x150cm white Pyramid rooflights from the Rooflight Company.

These allow a large amount of sunlight to stream through into the space beneath, while a minimal degree of illumination is provided by a low-energy electric strip light and through the coloured glass blocks set into the solid, south-facing wall opposite the classrooms.

The overall effect is warm, bright and cheerful, an excellent example of contemporary design in the education sector.

Designed for maximum light penetration, the Pyramid rooflight's singularly attractive appearance sets it apart as an architectural feature.

Created with slim yet robust 3mm steel sections, it offers a high standard of performance as well as good looks.

The standard double-glazed unit exceeds current building regulation requirements, including BS6375: Part 1: 1989 for weather-tightness, and has a high degree of air-tightness, while its unique, patented Thermoliner thermally decoupled lining ensures no condensation problems occur.

With a protective layer, polyester powder coating and a 15-year guarantee on the frame, the Pyramid rooflight from the Rooflight Company is low maintenance, versatile and easy to install.

Available in 4 sizes and 4 standard colours as well as custom specials, they are suitable for any type of roof construction.

Work on the project was completed in March 2005 and, although it has been in use since September, the new block was officially opened in October last year, when Thurrock MP Andrew Mackinlay joined other VIPs at the school for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The block, which includes a 52-place nursery, three reception classes, a new office and a large staffroom, has been designed as child and community-friendly.

Mr Mackinlay said: "It's a very exciting project, innovative and attractive, producing a warm, welcoming ambience, perfect for learning".

The new facility has allowed the school to cater for a greater number of children than ever before, with five hundred and ninety now on the roll.

Headteacher Fran Williams said: "We are looking to make Lansdowne School a community school with a 'wow' factor, and Rainbow Street certainly achieves this, creating a bright, stimulating environment for the children to learn and play in.".

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