Roof Lantern Solar Control Installation
DWP Building – Airbles Road, Motherwell
Public Sector Office | Solar Control Film | External Roof Glazing
Project Overview
Mr Tint Window Films was appointed to install high-performance solar control window film to a large roof lantern at the DWP building on Airbles Road, Motherwell.
The objective was to reduce excessive solar heat gain affecting the open-plan office spaces below, improving internal comfort levels for staff and building users.
The works involved external application to a multi-faceted roof lantern structure situated at roof level.
The Challenge
The building’s roof lantern was allowing significant levels of solar heat to penetrate into the open office areas beneath. During warmer periods, internal temperatures were rising beyond comfortable working levels, impacting staff wellbeing.
The building maintenance team contacted us to assess and provide a practical heat reduction solution.
Key challenges included:
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Large glazed surface area positioned at height
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Multi-angled lantern geometry
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External installation exposure
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Live public building environment
Unlike vertical glazing, roof lantern structures intensify solar gain due to direct overhead exposure, making effective film specification critical.
Technical Planning & Access Strategy
Due to the lantern’s height and geometry, conventional access methods were unsuitable.
A bespoke modular access framework was designed and constructed specifically for this project. The system was engineered so that it could:
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Be safely assembled on each of the four elevations as we moved around the structure
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Be dismantled and repositioned sequentially
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Provide stable, controlled access to the upper glazing sections
In addition to the modular platform, operatives worked under a secondary rope restraint system to provide fall protection.
The exposed roof environment also provided no cover from wind which required installation sequencing to account for the exposure and material control during handling of large film sections.
Film Specification
Following assessment, Solar Screen Chrome 285XC was specified for the installation.
This film offers:
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Significant reduction in solar heat gain
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High solar energy rejection performance
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Improved internal comfort without structural alteration
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Retention of natural daylight levels
Chrome 285XC is designed specifically for demanding solar control applications where heat management is the primary objective.
Outcome
The completed installation delivered:
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Noticeable reduction in solar heat gain
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Improved internal temperature regulation
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Enhanced comfort for building occupants
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A non-invasive solution without replacing glazing
By addressing the root cause of solar gain through external film application, the building achieved a practical thermal improvement without structural alteration or internal disruption.
Technical Summary
Project Type: Roof Lantern Solar Control
Location: Motherwell
Sector: Public Office Building
Glazing Type: Multi-Faceted Roof Lantern
Access Method: Bespoke Modular Frame + Rope Restraint
Film Used: Solar Screen Chrome 285XC
Working Conditions: External, Weather Exposed
Objective: Solar Heat Reduction
Programme Duration: 4 days
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