Address: SMITHFIELD MARKET, LONDON

Preserving Historic Rooflights for the Future Museum of London

New Age Glass was appointed to manufacture and install replacement heritage rooflights within the historic canopy at Smithfield Market, London, as part of the transformation of the iconic market buildings into the new Museum of London. As a Grade II* listed structure, the project required a sensitive conservation approach. The original canopy rooflights had deteriorated significantly over time and needed to be replaced on a like-for-like basis to preserve the character and appearance of this important historic building.

The Challenge

The existing rooflights formed an integral architectural feature of the Smithfield Market canopy, introducing natural daylight into the spaces below while contributing to the building’s historic character. Given the listed status of the building, the replacement rooflights had to closely replicate the appearance, proportions and detailing of the original construction while providing improved durability and longevity.

Our Solution

New Age Glass manufactured twelve bespoke rooflight panels using the NAG-R254-120 cast glass rooflight system. Each panel incorporated 200mm x 200mm pressed glass lenses, 120mm deep reinforced concrete construction, stainless steel reinforcement, high-strength C40 concrete, traditional exposed aggregate finishes and integrated waterproofing details. By matching the original rooflight design and appearance, the completed installation retains the historic character of the canopy while providing a robust long-term solution.

Result

The completed project successfully restored a significant architectural feature within one of London’s most important historic buildings. The new rooflights preserve the appearance of the original Smithfield Market canopy while providing improved durability and performance for the building’s next chapter as the Museum of London.