A CLEAR VIEW OF THE HEAVENS

GLASS ROOFS: A glass roof not only protects against wind and weather – it is also a window to the sky

Vitral’s two directors, Jens Borelli-Kjær (left) and Henrik Theisler reflect on further success for the company

There is a world of difference between Bologna in Italy and the Valby suburb of Copenhagen. But one thing they have in common – the vision of creating a public open space where the inhabitants can walk under shelter regardless of the weather: in Bologna by virtue of the city’s wonderful colonnades, and in Valby by virtue of a 2,700 m2 glass covering of the main square and adjacent streets, which will be one of the largest outdoor covered areas in northern Europe.

Vitral in Ølstykke north of Copenhagen is planning and installing the large glass roofs. The company is among Denmark’s largest manufacturers of roof glazing systems, and absolutely the largest regarding production of openable roof solutions.

Established in 1893, Bedales School in Petersfield, Hampshire, was unusual for its time on account of its educational theory which placed the child at the centre. When the school was renovated, the architects chose glass panels from Vitral. Scientific research has shown that optimum use of natural daylight helps improve learning by as much as 20%.

Openable glass roofs

“Vitral’s core competence is openable glass roofs with patented profiles in stainless steel,” says managing director Henrik Theisler. He and his colleague Jens Borelli-Kjær took over the company from the global window group Velux via a management buy-in. Over the last couple of years, the two men have managed to effect a turnaround by going after projects that lie within the company’s core competence.

“It is actually extremely difficult to make

an opening glass roof which is also weathertight,” says Borelli-Kjær. “We can do that, and that has increased our lead when it comes to complicated solutions where the requirements for indoor climate and building regulations are a combination of light, air and good design.”

Sheffield Winter Gardens, together with the associated Millennium Galleries, won the Royal Institute of British Architects Award in 2005. The glass roof over The Winter Gardens was planned and supplied by Vitral in Denmark.

Crystal Palace

By focusing on the company’s competencies Vitral has made strong progress abroad in recent years, particularly in Great Britain and Ireland. The company’s British subsidiary has gained international attention for its glass roofs for Sheffield’s Millennium Garden and the Pollock Centre in Glasgow. Another possible major project could be participation in the rebuilding of the legendary Crystal Palace, which is planned in connection with the 2012 Olym-pic Games in London.

“The original Crystal Palace was the world’s first, large glass building. It became something of an icon, but it burnt down in 1936. The new Crystal Palace will without doubt be just as unique, and will be a feather in the cap for everyone who participates in the building process,” says Henrik Theisler.

http://www.vitral.com

 
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