Kalzip makes waves at Liverpool Interchange

Kalzip aluminium proved the ideal choice to create the striking roof design that has never been seen before in the UK.

To create the dramatic and unique wave-form roof of Merseytravel's new Liverpool South Parkway (LSP) Interchange, the design team required a construction material that would offer exceptional flexibility whilst also helping to reduce the overall environmental impact of the building.

Kalzip aluminium proved the ideal choice to create the striking roof design that has never been seen before in the UK.

After initial consultation, it was clear that the complex undulating design of the building's roof would push the flexibility of aluminium to new limits.

Successfully installed by approved Teamkal member Lakesmere for main contractors Nuttall and HBG Construction, over 200 different types of shaped and tapered Kalzip sheets, some of which bend in three different directions and each varying in size and radii, form the 3000 square metre roof.

To ensure speed and accuracy, each tailored sheet was individually designed by Lakesmere using 3D CAD technology prior to manufacture at Kalzip's UK headquarters in Haydock.

The use of such advanced technology and detailed preparation also helped ensure safe working conditions in a live rail environment.

In addition to the roof of the Interchange, located between two existing railway stations, Kalzip sheets were also installed on the canopy that links the building to the nearby platform.

This led to Lakesmere undertaking specific track-side training to complete the work safely and efficiently.

To help meet the requirements for creating a truly sustainable building, over 30% of the Kalzip sheets specified were made from recycled aluminium.

In total, this equates to some 2.3 tonnes, making the roof one of the largest contributors to the building's environmentally considered design and reduced carbon footprint.

As Kalzip aluminium can be recycled without damaging its inherent qualities, its flexibility, durability and performance are not diminished in any way.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel, said: "LSP is a state of the art interchange that is breaking new ground not just nationally but internationally".

"It is unique, fit for purpose and is pioneering new forms of sustainability in transport infrastructure".

"The roof is a fantastic example of the many sustainable features of LSP, which also include the use of waste blast furnace slag instead of cement, rainwater harvesting, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, solar photovoltaic cells and geo thermal heat pumps".

"We're justifiably proud of what we have achieved at Liverpool South Parkway".

"We've set a standard which has now been recognised nationally and one that we hope that others within the transport industry and elsewhere will emulate".

Created to help improve rail and bus links between the city and the nearby Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the new LSP Interchange building was designed by Jefferson Sheard Architects.

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