University of Southampton

Project overview:

The Nuffield Theatre at the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus is undergoing a £19 million transformation, creating a modern, accessible teaching and learning facility, and preserving the character and heritage of this valued campus landmark.

Working alongside CPC Project Services and Wilkinson Eyre Architects, we are delivering the glazing and rooflights package for the refurbishment. Our contribution focuses on the new Entrance Hall and wider building envelope, combining bespoke architectural glazing with high-performance systems to support the contemporary redevelopment.

Our scope:

Our scope covers the design, manufacture and installation of a comprehensive range of glazing and rooflight elements, including:

• 16 bespoke triangular-based structurally glazed CWCT TN66 & TN67 Class 1 fixed lantern rooflights incorporated into the feature roof of the new Entrance Hall.
• 14 Next Gen High performance CWCT TN66 & TN67 Class 1 electrically operated opening rooflights.
• EI30 fire-rated and non-fire-rated curtain walling with revolving and single leaf doors, and windows.

The package brings together bespoke design and fabrication with a range of specialist façade and access systems, creating a cohesive and high-performance glazed envelope.

*images courtesy of wilkinson eyre

Main challenges:

1. Bespoke rooflight geometry: Designing and delivering 16 triangular-based structurally glazed lantern rooflights requires careful coordination between the architectural design, structural requirements and fabrication of each bespoke element.
2. Complex interface coordination: The glazing package incorporates multiple systems, including curtain walling, rooflights, windows, doors and louvres. Coordinating these elements with the wider building design is essential to achieving a consistent and integrated result.
3. Performance within a sensitive refurbishment: The new interventions will provide contemporary performance while contributing to the sensitive redevelopment of an established and valued campus building.

The result:

The glazing package contributes a distinctive contemporary identity to the refurbished Nuffield Theatre, with the new Entrance Hall rooflights forming a key architectural feature.

The combination of bespoke structurally glazed lanterns, opening rooflights, curtain walling, louvres, windows and doors creates a carefully coordinated building envelope that supports the project’s ambition for a modern, accessible and high-performance facility.

Outcomes:

• A distinctive new entrance: The 16 bespoke triangular lantern rooflights bring architectural character and natural light to the new Entrance Hall.
• Integrated building performance: A coordinated combination of high-performance glazing, curtain walling, rooflights, louvres and doors supports the requirements of the refurbished facility.
• A contribution to the future of the campus: Our package forms part of the wider transformation of the Nuffield Theatre into a modern teaching and learning facility, while respecting its established character and heritage.