Custom Skylight Installation at a Medical Centre in Frankston
Replacing an ageing skylight in a busy commercial building requires careful planning, particularly when the work needs to be completed without interrupting normal operations.
Belle Skylights recently completed a custom skylight installation at a medical centre in Frankston, replacing an original barrel vault skylight that had been part of the building since the 1980s.
The existing skylight had been leaking for an extended period and had eventually been covered with a tarp to prevent further water entering the building. While this provided temporary protection, it also blocked the natural light that the skylight had originally been designed to bring into the reception area.
The building owners wanted a permanent solution that would address the problems with the ageing structure while restoring natural light to the space below.
Choosing a Custom Skylight Solution
Following an assessment of the existing installation and building requirements, the owners selected Belle Skylights to design and install the replacement system.
An Intalok glazing system was chosen for the project. The system allowed Belle Skylights to create a glazed structure specifically suited to the existing roof opening and the operational requirements of the medical centre.
This type of project demonstrates where custom skylights can be particularly valuable. Rather than trying to adapt a standard skylight to an unusual opening, the glazing system and supporting structure could be designed around the building itself.
Belle Skylights designs and manufactures custom skylight solutions at its Moorabbin facility, allowing components to be prepared before installation and reducing the amount of fabrication required on-site.
Careful Planning Before Installation
The entire replacement was scheduled to be completed in one day.
Seven Belle Skylights team members attended the site, supported by two crane operators. Four team members worked on the roof while three remained at ground level carrying out preparation work and supporting the installation.
Before roof works commenced, scaffolding was erected beneath the existing skylight. This provided fall protection for the team while the old barrel vault and surrounding components were removed.
There was another important consideration within the existing opening.
Electrically operated shade louvres were positioned beneath the original barrel vault. The replacement glazing therefore needed sufficient clearance above the louvres so they could continue operating correctly.
To accommodate this, the opening was raised as part of the new design.
Removing the Original Barrel Vault
Once the site had been prepared, the team removed the original barrel vault skylight along with the existing roof flashings.
A new timber support frame, which had already been manufactured at Belle Skylights’ Moorabbin factory, was then positioned over the opening.
The frame incorporated a three degree fall to encourage rainwater to move away from the glazing rather than remaining on the surface.
Preparing the frame before arriving onsite was an important part of the installation strategy. It allowed the team to move efficiently through each stage of the project and helped minimise the amount of work required above the operating medical centre.
Installing the Intalok Glazing System
The new Intalok aluminium glazing frame was also manufactured before installation.
The powder coated 150 by 35 millimetre aluminium system incorporated concealed fixings, helping create a clean finished appearance once installed.
With the preparation completed beforehand, the glazing frame itself was installed above the new timber extension in approximately one hour.
The project then moved to the glass installation.
Four panels of double glazed, argon filled, Low E glass were lifted into position by crane. Once each panel was secured, the glazing caps and new roof flashings were installed to complete the new skylight structure.
The use of double glazing and Low E glass created a modern replacement for the original barrel vault while allowing natural light to once again reach the reception area below.
Completed in One Day With No Disruption to the Medical Centre
Careful planning allowed the complete installation to be carried out within a single day.
Despite the scale of the work, which included removing the old structure, modifying the opening, installing the new supporting frame and craning four large glass panels onto the roof, the medical centre was able to continue operating without disruption.
The completed custom skylight replaced an ageing and leaking barrel vault with a purpose-built glazed system designed specifically for the building.
Most importantly, the reception area could once again benefit from the natural light that had been lost while the original skylight remained covered.
Custom Skylights for Melbourne Homes and Commercial Buildings
Not every building can be accommodated with a standard skylight size or configuration. Existing roof openings, architectural features, roof design and internal structures can all require a more specialised approach.
Belle Skylights provides custom skylights for residential, commercial and architectural projects across Melbourne and Victoria. From individual roof lights through to larger glazed roof systems, solutions can be designed and manufactured to suit the requirements of each building.
For projects where a standard product is more appropriate, Belle Skylights also supplies and installs a broad range of daylighting products, including VELUX skylights and Solatube skylights.
If you are researching skylights in Melbourne or need a custom solution for an existing roof opening, speak with the Belle Skylights team about the options available for your property.
Contact Belle Skylights on 1300 168 374 to discuss your project or request a quote.
