London Velodrome Roof Material

London 2012 velodrome the size of the roof circa.

London velodrome roof material.

Up on the roof the perfection of the velodrome s design is manifest a grid like web of steel cables that run taut from dozens of attachment points on a perimeter frame of steel tubing. The environmental strategy required a deep build up of insulation and planning conditions meant that a standing seam cladding system was necessary. This is reflected in a radical difference in budget 250m vs 95m but also in the technical solutions that were used. This required some very careful thought about the detailing.

13 500m means that it governs the structural response of the whole building. From the outset a cable net structure. The roofs of the 2012 aquatics centre and velodrome are of a similar shape and size. Completed in 2012 in london united kingdom.

The hyperbolic paraboloid shape has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track. However whereas the former contains 3 000 tonnes of steel the velodrome roof is held up with just 100 tonnes. A further 2 500 seats are suspended in upper tiers within the curves of the venue s roof. The velodrome has a double curvature roof which helps to minimise volume and heating costs.

Images by richard davies david poultney anthony charlton anthony palmer hopkins architects. The final solution is so efficient that the weight of the steel in the roof equates to an average of 30kg m 2 about 35 less than the next best comparable venue in the world. Its structural members and deck are lightweight comprising a tension cable net timber cassette panels and osb. It also achieves elegance in its economy of means and materials its integration with the overall design its speed of erection and its low cost.

The lower tier of seating uses precast concrete terracing to provide 3 500 seats trackside. Click here to read a detailed description of how the structure of the velodrome works. Separating the tiers of seating is a glass wall allowing views both in and out of the building. Cycling inspired the concept for the velodrome.

Velodrome needed high levels of insulation of the roof. The net itself is made up of pairs of 36 mm diameter. Added to that the oda planners wanted an aluminium standing seam roof surface which is attractive and long lasting but rigid with large thermal movements.