Hynds Architectural Systems specified the Multivault rooflights at Antrim’s Junction One supercentre and Larne’s supermarket creating ideal retail environments with naturally daylit stores.
In fact Asda has been specifying Brett Martin’s GRP barrel vault rooflights for a number of years and the rooflights at the two Asda stores were specifically designed to suit a unique composite standing seam roof system. The specification consisted of four lengths measuring approximately 45m on the Antrim store and four measuring approximately 29m on the Larne store. The cost-effective rooflighting solution was chosen for its high quality, excellent energy saving abilities and thermal efficiency, which meets with Part L requirements; a U-value of 1.3 W/m2K can be achieved as standard with options offering a U-value as little as 0.9 W/m2K.
Chris Peers from Asda’s Technical Team comments, “Brett Martin offers the most comprehensive range of rooflights available from one source. GRP barrel vault rooflights meet our exacting specification requirements and have been installed in more than 20 Asda stores nationwide.”
In addition, the natural daylight from the Multivault rooflights meets Asda’s requirement of having a positive effect on both staff and customers. Simon Arlow, Store Manager for Asda Antrim comments, “Brett Martin’s rooflights have had an incredible effect on the Antrim store. The rooflights have been placed right down the centre of the George and health and beauty departments, which are significantly brighter than other areas of the store. Overall, these departments have a very vibrant feel, enhancing our customers’ shopping experience. The natural daylight shows the colours of our products perfectly, making them more inviting to customers. This also creates a pleasant working environment for our staff which I am sure will have a significant effect on motivation and overall staff morale.”
Brett Martin’s Multivault GRP rooflights are available in a variety of formats; at these stores the Multivault CPS system has been used. Specifically designed for use with secret fix composite panel systems such as the Kingzip system used on these roofs, this system has been fully approved and recommended by Kingspan. The rooflights, which boast a daylight opening width of 1m, consist of a single skin GRP vault fitted onto specially designed kerbs which link in to the Kingzip system to preserve the principle of secret fix, fitted over a double skin factory assembled double skin rooflight to create a triple skin.
Multivault allows the designer freedom to create unique vaulted rooflights and canopies cost effectively. Compared to windows, rooflights provide a more even spread of daylight and boast a smaller glazing area while providing more light. What’s more, in general windows can only bring in daylight to an area 6m from the sides of buildings; rooflights are the only way to bring in daylight into wide-spanned buildings such as the Asda stores.
The rooflights also reduce the need for artificial light when the natural daylight is adequate. Switching off artificial lighting results in reduced energy costs and ultimately reduced CO2 emissions, providing an overall better building performance. Research has also shown that shoppers linger longer in naturally daylit environments, ultimately leading to increased spending. There is also a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that it helps staff performance by making staff more motivated which can increase productivity and reduces persistent absence.
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