CASE STUDY
Atkins Architects
Kier Construction
Telephone: 01993 833155
The Keep is a carefully considered project that combines state-of-the-art storage for archives with excellent visitor facilities. It will eventually house over six miles of archives and resources dating back 900 years. The Keep is a purpose-built archive and historical resource centre in Brighton jointly managed by East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Sussex. The state-of-the-art storage facility houses over six miles of archives and resources dating back 900 years, it also incorporates excellent visitor facilities.
We worked closely with main contractor, Kier, to design and supply ten High Security Rooflights, specified to LPS 1175 SR2. A key feature of the design was to ensure the kerb upstand was in line with the requirements for SR2 certification. Our technical team also worked closely with the architects to ensure the careful placement of insulation within the kerb structure to mitigate cold bridging whilst not compromising on the quality of the internal finish.
This gallery would highlight the building’s modern architecture, the secure research environment, and the subtle integration of Secured by Design rooflights within a contemporary public facility.
The Rooflight Co’s expertise in providing high-security solutions was instrumental in the success of The Keep. Their Secured by Design rooflights not only met our stringent security requirements but also enhanced the overall aesthetic and functional quality of the building.
Jeff Watson
/
Atkins Architects
Despite being an historical research centre, The Keep in Brighton stands as a beacon for modern design and sustainability. Opened in June 2013, the striking new-build facility achieves a BREEAM Excellence Certification through its integration of highly efficient systems such as solar panels, solar heating, thick walls, a biomass boiler and security features.
Designed by Jeff Watson and David Morriss of Atkins Architects and constructed by Kier, the public building is home to over six miles of archives and historical resources, with many documents dating back more than 900 years. The Keep also houses many rare historical resources.
A key challenge for the architects was ensuring the security of the valuable content within the building while maintaining the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the structure. The Rooflight Co was chosen for their unique ability to provide Secured by Design (SBD) rooflights, essential for meeting the project’s high-security requirements. Each rooflight has a fadeguard glazing specification to protect documents and furnishings from ultraviolet light damage.
The project team’s dedication to combining advanced security measures with sustainable and modern design elements resulted in a state-of-the-art facility that serves the community’s educational and research needs while preserving valuable historical documents securely. A total of ten SBD rooflights, each measuring 1225mm x 1225mm and finished in jet black, were installed.
The Secured by Design rooflights installed at The Keep not only meet stringent security standards but also blend seamlessly with the facility’s modern architecture. Certified to LPS 1175 SR2, these rooflights offer resistance to forced entry, providing peace of mind for the protection of sensitive historical documents.
The Rooflight Co collaborated closely with Kier Construction and Atkins Architects to ensure precise installation. This included creating an L10 specification to streamline planning submissions and ensuring that the concrete kerb upstand met SR2 certification requirements. Special attention was given to kerb detailing, including insulation placement to prevent cold bridging and meticulous internal finish design.
The rooflights were designed not only for security but to enhance natural lighting, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and researchers. The integration of rooflights into The Keep’s design achieves a harmonious balance between form, function and security, demonstrating The Rooflight Co’s commitment to both innovation and excellence.
Secured by Design is a prestigious accreditation that recognises products and developments designed to promote safety and enhance security measures. Buildings and products that meet its stringent standards offer protection and reassurance to their users.
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Meet the experts behind this project – our dedicated team who brought this vision to life.
Passionate about properties of distinction, Phil understands the delicate balance between preserving the integrity of historic buildings and delivering high-quality, high-performing natural top lighting solutions. With exacting standards, Phil recognises that prestigious properties require not only superior products but also a bespoke service that supports every stage of the project. Collaborating closely with our Design Engineers, Phil advises on some of our most complex and highly confidential projects, where discretion and sensitivity are paramount both nationally and internationally.
Kathryn is a skilled Design Manager who combines creative thinking with practical engineering insight. Grounded in realistic and achievable design principles, she brings clarity and innovation to even the most complex rooflight challenges. Passionate about delivering exceptional results, Kathryn is committed to ensuring your specification requirements are not only met—but exceeded. With extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in natural toplighting solutions, she is a trusted partner throughout the design process. Her approach ensures that every solution is thoughtfully designed, high-performing, and tailored to the unique needs of your project.
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