Project
Protection From the Effects of Damaging Sunlight - Priceless Artefacts Protected Case Study Harris Museum
External solar-control film specified for roof atria at the Harris Museum in Preston, around the glazing and the collection's light and UV requirements.
project details
- Location
- Preston
- Sector
- Arts & culture
- Timeline
- 4 days (May 2016)
the challenge
Priceless art collections and artefacts were at risk from high levels of UV and heat through the museum’s roof lights. Light levels were exceeding 2000 Lux, far above the 200-250 Lux target.
our solution
Installed Sentinel Stainless Steel 15 OSW, an external weatherable solar-control film selected around the measured light levels, then edge-sealed with architectural silicone.
measurable impact
the strategic results delivered through our technical implementation
key outcomes
- Protection of priceless treasures for years to come.
- Successfully met specific lux level requirements for sensitive artefacts.
- Full treatment of four roof atria at the building's peak.
- Installation completed within 4 days with edge-sealed protection.
project details
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is a landmark Preston building, opened in 1893. It houses fine art collections, rare books and artefacts. Preston City Council approached Lustalux in 2015 to address solar and UV exposure through glazed roof areas above sensitive collections.
On bright summer days, light levels were exceeding 2,000 lux against a target maximum of 200–250 lux. A standard clear UV film did not meet that brief. After assessment, Solar Gard Sentinel Stainless Steel 15 OSW was specified — an external weatherable commercial solar-control film. The named film's product data records 99% UV reduction and over 60% heat-gain reduction. Those figures belong to this specified film, not to every solar-control product.
Four roof atria at the top of the building were treated over four days at the beginning of May 2016. The film was applied externally and edge-sealed with Dow Corning architectural silicone, as required for this weatherable system. The work sat within the museum's conservation requirements; Lustalux does not grant listed-building consent.
For commercial solar-control film, signage and architectural film from Lustalux's Preston headquarters, see commercial window film in Preston.
our approach
Detailed audit
Measuring real-world light levels (2000+ lux) against conservation targets (200-250 lux).
Material selection
Specifying external grade Sentinel film over standard clear UV film to meet strict light reduction goals.
Technical install
Applying film to roof atria and edge sealing with dow corning silicone for maximum longevity.
project faqs
Q: Why not use standard UV film?
On this project, measured light levels exceeded 2,000 lux against a 200–250 lux target. A standard clear UV film did not reduce visible light enough, so an external Sentinel Stainless Steel 15 OSW film was specified instead.
Q: Was the film applied externally?
Yes. An outside-weatherable (OSW) film was applied to the roof atria and edge-sealed with architectural silicone.
project gallery
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