Over 1,200 sqm of Kalzip’s aluminium standing seam roofing system, including 1,000 sqm of revolutionary Kalzip XT profile and smooth curved sheets have been installed on the impressive new Slough Bus Station. bblur Architecture was responsible for the futuristic design concept and delivery of this iconic building on behalf of their client, Slough Borough Council for use by local bus operators.
Main contractor McLaren Construction Group appointed leading building envelope specialist and experienced Teamkal contractor, Lakesmere Ltd to create the smooth flowing lines of this striking 140 metre long roof over the bus station’s accommodation block and twin roof canopies. The resulting structure, which also includes 1,200 sqm of Kalzip structural decking, was achieved by Lakesmere working in close co-operation with Kalzip who contributed their wealth of technical expertise and manufacturing excellence to the success of this project.
Matthew Bedward, partner of bblur Architecture explains, “The design concept for Slough Bus Station’s gently undulating roof canopies is a visual representation of different wavelengths of light in recognition of discoveries made by the borough’s famous astronomer royal, William Herschel who lived in Slough.”
“We wanted a reliable, highly flexible roofing system that was quick and easy to install yet capable of delivering the 3D smooth contoured effect we desired for this landmark building - and the Kalzip aluminium system with its XT profile sheets ticked all the boxes,” says project architect, John Fookes.
The amazing flexibility of Kalzip XT profiled sheets together with the company’s advanced computer controlled roll-forming technology make it possible to transform complex computer generated designs into reality - allowing intricate 3D contouring to be combined with a standing seam system to achieve technically perfect free-flowing building shapes as exemplified on Slough Bus Station
Kalzip XT profile sheets were employed on the bus station’s main accommodation block in areas where double curved convex geometry occurred and again on the roof canopies where they were distended and waisted accordingly to suit the areas around the convex and concave quadrant points on the long elevation. Standard smooth curved Kalzip sheets were installed in the straight areas of canopy between the points of contraflexure. A tertiary spacer system was used on the faceted Kalzip structural decking to create the smooth double curved contour lines required to accept the smooth flowing form of the external Kalzip XT sheets.
Comprising a two storey main accommodation block with offices, public café, shops and rest room facilities for the operator, Slough’s new bus station also incorporates a rooflit canopy housing 10 bus bays, waiting room and real-time information displays for passengers’ convenience. Located close to Slough railway station, this imposing building is the first element of Slough Borough Council’s vision for the wider regeneration of the area to be known as ‘The Heart of Slough’ through which the Council is seeking to change the public’s perception and provide its young, multicultural population with a high quality urban environment.
For further details and a copy of the ‘Kalzip Systems’ brochure, please email: enquiries.uk@kalzip.com or visit: www.kalzip.com
