National Maritime Museum Gets £12m Roof Upgrade

MORE THAN 23,000 sq ft of new, sun-protected glazing has been installed above the National Maritime Museum’s court area as part of a £12m roof upgrade.

The project carried out by Willmott Dixon Interiors is designed to address water ingress and reduce solar heat gain issues associated with the existing glazing of the Grade I listed building.

It is expected to provide better acoustics and an improved visitor experience, and comes more than 24 years after the original installation of what was then Europe’s largest free-span glazed roof.

All outdated glazing has been fully recycled, in line with the project’s sustainability and waste reduction goals.

Roger Forsdyke, Chief Operations Officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “The central court is the much-loved heart of the National Maritime Museum, with many visitors passing beneath its huge glass roof every year.

“This project is about ensuring the best possible experience for those people, as well as the museum’s staff and the collections they care for. The new glazing we are installing will not only enable natural light to flood the space, but has much improved thermal and acoustic qualities too.”

(L-R) Amy Braganza, Caitlyn Greenwell, Craig Bromley and Mark Javed of Willmott Dixon Interiors at the National Maritime Museum

£12m Roof Upgrade

Alongside the roof upgrades, Willmott Dixon Interiors is carrying out a deep clean and servicing of the building’s capital plant, including chillers, air coolers, air handling units, and the underfloor heating and cooling system, which will also undergo a flush. Existing plate heat exchangers are being replaced, and enhancements are being made to the air cooling systems to improve efficiency and performance.

Additionally, works to the internal space will include the renewal of electrical lighting, power, and data systems.

Willmott Dixon Interiors is also delivering a series of social value-led activities alongside the main works. The contractor and its supply chain are engaging local communities in initiatives ranging from career and employability workshops, to work experience placements for students.

The contract to deliver the works was awarded by public-sector procurement specialist, SCAPE, and the project is expected to be completed later this year.

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