Howells Patent Glazing has supplied and installed a bespoke new roof glazing system for an atrium at The Richard Pate School in Cheltenham. The existing glazing had reached the end of its service life and needed to be replaced.
The standalone roofing project was tendered and secured by Gloucester-based main contractor E G Carter & Co Ltd (E G Carter). The glazing was specified by Quattro Design Architects (Quattro), also based in Gloucester, to provide a modern replacement that would meet current requirements and improve the overall performance of the atrium roof. Quattro remained involved in the project from tender through to handover.
Howells did the structural calculations, designed and manufactured the replacement glazing at its facility in Cradley Heath in the Black Country. The new roof uses Howells’ HG57 glazing bars, polyester powder coated in RAL 7016 Matt (Anthracite Grey), together with high-performance 28.8mm double-glazed units. These comprise a 6mm heat-soaked toughened SKN176ii solar control outer pane, 16mm argon-filled cavity with black warm-edge spacer and a 6.8mm laminated clear inner pane, achieving a centre pane U-value of 1.0 W/m²K.
Working within a live school environment presented a number of logistical challenges for Howells during the installation. Access to the roof was via the school playground, where a mural needed to be protected from heavy equipment. E G Carter provided a 17m-reach telehandler and temporary protection measures were put in place to allow the work to proceed safely.
The installation was scheduled for the October half-term, creating a tight window for Howells to remove the existing glazing and install the replacement system. The roof needed to be made watertight before pupils returned the following week, as internal scaffolding could not be installed within the classrooms.
Howells’ team completed the installation within the planned week, minimising disruption to the school.
Tracey Jackson, Business Development Manager at Howells Patent Glazing, said: “The programme was tight, so careful planning and close coordination with E G Carter were essential. From the site surveys through to installation, we were able to work together to find a practical solution that allowed us to complete the project during half-term. The installation team also had DBS clearance available, should it have been required, reflecting the additional considerations involved in working on a school site.”
Philip Illing BSc Hons, Head of General Works at E G Carter, said: “We have worked with Howells on several glazing jobs of this nature, and they would be our initial ‘go to’ for this type of work. As always, they were helpful and productive, ensuring a good quality of works, undertaken safely, and all to the agreed programme and method of works.”
Completed in November 2025, the new Howells HG57 roof glazing provides The Richard Pate School with a modern replacement for its ageing atrium roof, combining specialist glazing, improved performance and a carefully managed installation process.
