Kings College Chapel

King’s College Chapel is a renowned architectural landmark located in Cambridge. Dating back to 1446 under the patronage of King Henry VI, construction was completed in 1515 during the reign of King Henry VII. The chapel is a prime example of late Gothic English architecture, characterised by its elaborate fan vaulting, large stained-glass windows.

Restoration of the Chapel roof had become urgent as the existing lead roof had reached the end of its natural lifespan. Works to replace the lead roofing enabled a once-in-a-generation opportunity to also install photovoltaic (PV) panels while the necessary infrastructure was in place.

The chapel roof area was the single largest potential opportunity for renewable electricity generation on the main College site, but the interface of traditional craftsmanship and materials, with today’s PV technology required a specialist holistic approach to ensure its long-term success.

Nicholson supplied the ROOFTRAK IFP-MR a fixing point for fully supported metal roofing. This unique patented product allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the metal roof coverings whilst providing a mechanical connection to the structure that is highly weather resistant.

The ROOFTRAK IFP-MR incorporates a factory sealed lead weathering flange to provide a sympathetic solution to a challenging detail. For this project the existing lead coverings were removed & recycled to provide the sand cast new lead material, which was also used on the IFP-MR products.  A sustainable approach to historic conservation.

Main Contractor

Barnes Construction 

Solar contractor

Photon Energy

Architect

Caroe Architecture Ltd