Introduction
Nine Elms is a new London Underground (LU) station in Zone 1 – adjacent to Wandsworth Road and Pascal Street (new station) – which will be served by the Northern line as part of the two-station extension from Kennington. The extension runs on to the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station. In 2014 LU announced the joint venture Ferrocial Agroman Laing O’Rouke would be responsible for carrying out the design and build contract for the extension to the Northern Line between Kennington and Battersea. In early 2015 construction began on site which is part of a wider development of the Nine Elms area – one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe costing £15 billion and covering an astonishing 227 hectares; extending from Lambeth Bridge in the north, down to Battersea Power Station and Chelsea Bridge in the south.
The Nine Elms area takes its name from a row of elm trees that once lined the roadside into London.
Task
Solinear was honoured to be the louvre contractors of choice to design, manufacture, supply and install the tailor-made stainless steel louvre doors at Nine Elms. In 2020, after initial discussions were conducted online with Ferrovial Agroman Laing O’Rouke – Solinear’s project team looked at available options and put forward proposals that would include the production of doors robust enough to withstand conditions in the underground, whilst allowing essential ventilation and addressing the concerns of the client regarding litter and debris penetrating the louvres as well as protecting against graffiti. With budget agreed, adaptions made to accommodate the needs of the client and drawings complete, Solinear proceeded with manufacturing the doors.
Action
Despite the difficulties that 2020/2021 presented, the Solinear team (albeit at a much-reduced capacity) were able to safely work together, manufacturing the doors along with associated fixtures, fittings and accessories. The completed doors were then delivered to Nine Elms and installed with the utmost care and attention by Solinear’s dedicated team of fitters whilst adhering to government guidelines regarding social distancing.
Result
Our stainless-steel Aquarius X-Line 75 double louvre doors look resplendent in their own right but framed by the pristine stainless-steel panels they look phenomenal.
The doors look incredible but obviously they serve a practical purpose. The pitch of the louvre blades allows excellent airflow through the doors, maintaining essential ventilation. Whilst the overall construction of the doors and quality of material used – 1.14404 grade 1.5mm thick stainless steel with 240 vertical grit finish – offers robust protection against everyday wear and tear and tough conditions. The concerns of the client regarding litter and debris ingress were addressed with stainless-steel mesh to the reverse of the doors.
If Banksy is in the area and tempted to adorn Solinear’s perfectly gleaming and polished stainless-steel doors with a signature statement masterpiece then it’s worth mentioning that these particular doors are also finished with an anti-graffiti coating.
Solinear has contributed to the wider regeneration of the area and the team is thrilled to be part of this extraordinary project. It was an honour to work with the experts at Ferrocial Agroman Laing O’Rouke joint venture and Solinear is very much looking forward to collaborating once again with the team.
The Northern line extension (NLE) between Kennington and Battersea will help regenerate the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea areas by supporting new jobs and homes. The project is estimated to be completed by late 2021.
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