Member Article

Eyrise to provide instant solar shading at refurbished BAFTA headquarters

Eyrise will provide instant solar shading at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, as part of a comprehensive refurbishment to improve facilities and double the building’s capacity, enabling BAFTA to dramatically increase its charitable programme.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is installing recently developed smart liquid crystal windows to glaze two restored Victorian rooflights on a newly constructed top floor at its Grade II listed headquarters in London.

Proprietary Licrivision liquid crystal technology enables Eyrise glass to be tinted to provide solar shading immediately without compromising on natural daylight. The windows will provide lightwellness - visual comfort, thermal regulation and colour neutrality - for occupants on demand, while also helping to reduce energy consumption.

“New technologies are helping us transform and grow the infrastructure of our headquarters which in turn will enable us to expand our important work in supporting emerging and under-represented talent,” said Kevin Price, BAFTA’s Chief Operating Officer. “By raising the roof and re-integrating the rooflights with Eyrise’s innovative glazing, we are able to open up a bright new space and deliver a greater variety of initiatives, learning events and activities.”

The refurbishment will reveal the hidden rooflights, built in 1883, for the first time since 1975 when they were covered to create a dark space for a 227-seat cinema.

“This major project is a testament to BAFTA’s progressive vision,” said Celine Glipa, Managing Director of Eyrise. “By integrating the latest technology to breathe new life and light into this iconic landmark, it is creating a superior stage for emerging talent.”

Designed by Benedetti Architects, work on the project has already begun and is due to be completed in 2021.

“BAFTA chose us for our centrepiece idea to transform its capacity with a new top floor, created by raising and restoring the magnificent ‘lost’ Victorian rooflights to prominence,” said Renato Benedetti, Director of Benedetti Architects. “We knew this required an extraordinary smart-glass solution. As our design developed, it was soon clear the only bespoke, innovative smart glass capable of elegantly resolving every technical and perceptual challenge to bring this vision to life was Eyrise.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Eyrise .