Bespoke Shaped Rooflights for The Rhodes Building, Oriel College.

By Chloe Thompson

IQ Projects designed and installed a set of shaped rooflights and structural glazing for prestigious Oriel College, Oxford University.  

IQ Projects were specified to design and install bespoke shaped rooflights that were designed using structural glazing as part of a project to restore and refresh the Rhodes Building at Oriel College. Marcus Beale Architects were appointed to redesign the crucial elements of the famous historical building, the team underwent extensive planning and design consideration for the original Grade II listed building to maintain the original fabric of the building.  

Oriel College is one of 39 colleges at the University of Oxford, the College was founded in 1326 and is the oldest royal foundation in Oxford. Oriel College is one of the five oldest colleges in the Oxford University group and the origin of the name comes from the featured prominent architectural detail of an oriel window which protrudes from the face of the main entrance building.  

The bespoke structural glass rooflights were installed within the new copper-clad roof and each of the specialist glazing elements was integrated into protruded structures which sat behind the natural stone balustrade. The triangular shaped rooflights were implemented to improve the level of natural lighting in the internal stairways, the rooflights were installed on a minimal upstand that was designed so that they were not visible from the outside of the building, concealed within the copper capping.  

A rectangular rooflight comprising of 4 panes was constructed for Oriel College, the rooflights constructed from multiple structural glass panes that were silicone jointed together. The rooflight shapes were narrow to create dramatic natural lighting while being cohesive with the structure of the roof. The structural glazing creates an obstruction to the path of light and natural lighting is known to promote productivity within educational spaces.  

The team at IQ can assist in the specification of the glazing solutions for educational buildings. Using our years of knowledge, we can provide effective solutions for each project’s specific needs and challenges.  

Speak to the team at IQ for further advice or guidance. 

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Chloe Thompson

After completing her undergrad degree in Interior design, Chloe decided to join the architectural glazing industry and now works on social media strategies, writes content and manages the day to day marketing for IQ's commercial division.

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