Kalzip on the right track at Athletics Centre

Over 8000 square metres of Kalzip aluminium standing seam roofing have been specified to create the vast sweeping roof of the main sports hall at the new Lee Valley Athletics Centre in east London.

Over 8000 square metres of Kalzip aluminium standing seam roofing have been specified to create the vast sweeping roof of the main sports hall at the new Lee Valley Athletics Centre in east London; located just a few miles away from the official site of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Designed by David Morley Architects, the new athletics centre boasts a striking Kalzip sawtooth roof that maximises the flexibility of the material by dramatically curving from the lower east elevation upwards to the west.

Kalzip provided the ideal solution to realising the demanding design of the structure, which is supported by a series of trusses and requires the chosen roof material to be able to cope with the double curvature of each roof section.

Installed by approved Teamkal members Siac Facades for main contractors Shepherd Construction, the individual 60 metres long Kalzip sheets were twisted 45 degrees along their length in order to successfully create the unique roof design.

The new state of the art facility is expected to play an important role in the development of the UK's next generation of athletes on both a local and national level.

The centre, which features the only 200 metre six-lane indoor athletics track in the South of England, will provide much needed training facilities for those competing in the London Olympics and the 2008 games in Beijing, as well as being available for use by local clubs and schools.

Kalzip's additional benefits of being extremely durable whilst requiring little or no maintenance were also important considerations for its use on a project that is anticipated to remain an important architectural landmark long after the Games are over.

Back to top