Rooflight Blind Installation at Blandford Town Hall

Blandford Town Hall, a magnificent Grade I listed building with sections dating back to the 1730s, presented Kensington Blinds with one of their most challenging and rewarding installations to date. Following a decades-long campaign for improvements, the historic building received approval and funding in 2024 for comprehensive upgrades, including enhanced accessibility features such as a new staircase and lift installation. As part of these extensive renovations, the building's impressive roof lanterns – which flood the interior with natural light – required a shading solution to address issues of uncomfortable glare and excessive heat gain.

Motorised Rooflight Blinds Installation

Working several metres above ground level within the constraints of a Grade I listed building, Kensington Blinds needed to install large motorised rooflight blinds that would follow the curved lines of the arched openings while preserving the building's original architectural integrity. Specified by Malcolm Simmonds Architects, these blinds serve a crucial role in controlling light levels and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, reducing the building's reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems.

The technically complex solution required innovative engineering, with blinds operated by remote control and tensioned using a sophisticated system of wires and rolling barrels. This design ensures the blinds remain taut and correctly aligned while following the graceful arch of the roof lanterns. The installation demanded Kensington Blinds' specialist expertise in heritage buildings, where traditional construction methods and conservation requirements create unique access and installation challenges.

The Completed Rooflight Blinds

The completed installation demonstrates the perfect marriage of modern technology with historic architecture. Designed as a 'fit-and-forget' solution, the blinds' low maintenance requirements make them ideally suited to their difficult-to-access location. The project has successfully brought the town hall into the 21st century, while respecting the architectural heritage of one of Britain's most important historic buildings, ensuring Blandford Town Hall can continue to serve its community for generations to come.