Introduction
Many of the team had already heard of Jodrell Bank in Cheshire – the world-renowned home to the Lovell Telescope, one of the planet’s largest, most powerful deep space exploring radio telescopes– when Solinear was approached by Kier Construction to work with them on a revolutionary new project.
Whilst architect studio, Hassell, worked with the University of Manchester through Stages 1-3 of the development, J M Architects and Kier Construction saw the building through Stage 4-Completion, co-ordinating with sub-contractors and consultants.
Quite apart from the distinction of working once again with one of the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary construction companies and long-term collaborator, Kier, as well as one of the UK’s foremost architectural practices, there was the added prestige of working as part of a much larger development at the famous, Jodrell Bank.
The First Light Pavilion project was an irresistible prospect with its striking, organic architecture and bold sumptuous curves – this project would prove to be one of Solinear’s most iconic…
Task
Solinear was approached by the Kier design team and asked to propose a system that would fulfil the design intent put forward by the architect for an architectural balustrade system befitting of such an iconic vision – simple, contemporary and, of course fit for purpose, acting as a protective barrier and enclosure whilst complementing the entrance of the structure.
As the areas requiring balustrading were curved on two axis, Solinear would be required to facet the balustrade system to accommodate the curvature while maintaining the required handrail height for an effective balustrade system. The required barrier loading – 3 kN/m2.
Of course, all works would have to be carried out in accordance with rapidly changing guidelines set out during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Action
Solinear proposed a bespoke VersaTil Balustrade system which differed slightly from the originally proposed steel balustrade system as it offered greater versatility when achieving the curvature of the proposed design. Aluminium being more adaptable and easier to work with, certainly in this instance, than steel.
The system’s bracketry was required to be pin-point accurate thus allowing the balustrade panels to be installed precisely. With this in mind Solinear commissioned a 3D point cloud survey of the areas to establish the curvature and allow the exact geometry to be overlaid on to designs drawn up by Solinear’s design team, thus aiding with the setting out of the bracketry.
Due to the curvature of the balustrade system, almost every single balustrade panel and the fins therein consisted of differing lengths and mitred cut angles. Each balustrade panel had to be individually cut, machined, and assembled to prevent cross-contamination from incorrect part lengths. Solinear foresaw this potential hazard and carefully planned management systems accordingly prior to commencing manufacture.
Each aluminium fin achieved a consistently straight profile within the balustrade panels and ultimately proved easier to achieve the required geometry.
As Solinear was to discover, the roof to the concrete dome sat down lower than anticipated and the concrete raked backwards at the head, this meant that the balustrade panel brackets had to be lowered accordingly. The result of which impacted the structural calculations confirming that the required barrier loading could be achieved. In response Solinear developed bracket extension spigots to circumvent this issue.
Once the system and all sundries had been manufactured and passed Solinear’s rigorous quality checking, it was transported to Macclesfield, ready for installation. Installation was carried out by a team of four people taking three months from start to finish and with consideration to government guidelines of the time regarding social distancing.
Result
The fins and panels, finished in non-metallic RAL PPC (black) beautifully frame the entrance of this phenomenal building and Solinear is understandably proud of the part the team have played in this fascinating project.
The First Light Pavilion project, whilst presenting some challenges, proved that the Solinear team is resourceful and the products adaptable and versatile, delivering a system that successfully achieved the required specification and realising the vision of the innovative people involved in designing and planning the construction.
The Solinear team’s contribution to the £20.5m venture may have been smaller in comparison to others’ but it still secures us a place in the history of Jodrell Bank and is considered one of Solinear’s most treasured projects.
Once again, It was a pleasure to work with Kier and J M Architects – as always their dedication and expertise makes collaborating with them a great experience – Solinear is very much looking forward to the next project with these paragons of professionalism and vision.
At the time of the pavilion’s completion, Diana Hampson, Director of Estates at The University of Manchester said “It is testament to the teamwork of all of those involved on the project that we have achieved this significant milestone in the delivery of the Pavilion. The team have faced many challenges and adopted new ways of working owing to the pandemic and it is wonderful to see major progress when many other projects have been paused across the UK.”
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Director, Professor Teresa Anderson added “We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone and are delighted to be able to see the new building take shape. The progress symbolises a new hope for the future, and we can’t wait to be able to welcome visitors to this beautiful new building, and share with them the stories of Jodrell Bank and its pioneering scientists” In late 2021 First Light Pavilion achieved double success at the North West Regional Construction Awards receiving the prestigious Innovation Award alongside a Project of the Year Award.
Work on the project continues as organisers prepare to open the venue to the public this year.
Read Solinear’s feature on Jodrell Bank and The First Light Project here.
You can find out more about Jodrell Bank and The First Light Project by clicking on the links below.
www.hassellstudio.com/project/first-light-pavilion-visitors-centre
www.jodrellbank.net/and-were-off/
www.jodrellbank.net/the-first-light-pavilion-architecture-and-the-sky/
www.jodrellbank.net/first-light-at-jodrell-bank/
www.jodrellbank.net/visit/whats-here/lovell-telescope/
www.jodrellbank.net/first-light-pavilion-construction/
www.jodrellbank.net/first-light-reaches-major-milestone/
www.jodrellbank.net/construction-milestone-for-first-light-project/
www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/10/14/kier-completes-concrete-dome-pour-at-jodrell-bank/
www.jodrellbank.net/considerate-construction-at-first-light/
www.jodrellbank.net/community-and-culture/
www.jodrellbank.net/first-look-inside-first-light/
www.jodrellbank.net/a-unesco-world-heritage-site/
www.jodrellbank.net/sustainability-at-jodrell-bank-a-long-view/
www.jodrellbank.net/bluedot-returns-to-jodrell-bank-with-headliner-bjork/
Gallery
