London Velodrome Roof Material

Cycling inspired the concept for the velodrome.

London velodrome roof material.

Click here to read a detailed description of how the structure of the velodrome works. However whereas the former contains 3 000 tonnes of steel the velodrome roof is held up with just 100 tonnes. The lower tier of seating uses precast concrete terracing to provide 3 500 seats trackside. From the outset a cable net structure.

The velodrome has a double curvature roof which helps to minimise volume and heating costs. London 2012 velodrome the size of the roof circa. 13 500m means that it governs the structural response of the whole building. The environmental strategy required a deep build up of insulation and planning conditions meant that a standing seam cladding system was necessary.

The hyperbolic paraboloid shape has been designed to reflect the geometry of the cycling track. The roofs of the 2012 aquatics centre and velodrome are of a similar shape and size. 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. The distinct velodrome roof shape gave it the nickname of the pringle.

Completed in 2012 in london united kingdom. This is reflected in a radical difference in budget 250m vs 95m but also in the technical solutions that were used. 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. London firm hopkins architectshave completed the velodrome the first of the five permanent venues on the olympic park for the london 2012 olympic games.

The net itself is made up of pairs of 36 mm diameter. The roof surface is made of 1090 timber cassettes. This required some very careful thought about the detailing. Separating the tiers of seating is a glass wall allowing views both in and out of the building.

Velodrome needed high levels of insulation of the roof. 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. Images by richard davies david poultney anthony charlton anthony palmer hopkins architects.