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The Roundhouse
| location: | The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London |
| client: | Norman Trust |
| architect: | John McAslan & Partners |
| main contractor: | Tolent Construction |
| project scope: | Curtain Walling, Roof Glazing, Windows & Doors |
The Roundhouse, originally designed by Robert Stephenson and built in 1846, began life as a railway turntable, but within 8 years became an all but forgotten gin warehouse, until the sixties when it gained fame as a music venue. Now, after undergoing a £30 million redevelopment and restoration, the site has been developed into one of the capital’s most dynamic performance venues. It is the largest, non-arena performing space in North London, capable of housing up to 3,300 standing or 1,800 seated spectators and opened to the public on June 1st 2006.
Following early collaboration with the architects John McAslan & Partners and more specifically the project’s acoustic consultants Paul Gilleron Associates, EAG were awarded the complex bespoke glazing and cladding package in 2004. The project scope included the design and installation of a triple glazed lantern at the apex of the roof, comprising a double glazed unit of 12mm toughened glass combined with a 19.5mm laminated inner, with a further 19.5mm laminated glass set 200mm in board, all structurally glazed into a bespoke steel frame, to satisfy the acoustic performance and in accordance with the off site testing that had been undertaken. The 5.2m long panels weighing in at 359kgs, are the largest ever installed by the company.
At the roof mid span, the so called “Halo” glazing was installed with a glazed laylight 600mm below, with opening lights on gas pistons incorporated to allow access to the void between. Again, the triple glass pack was used to ensure the acoustic performance criteria were met.
A three story new wing was constructed to provide offices and function areas which were linked to the existing Roundhouse by a new atrium street roof. Again the mullions and transoms were bespoke designs to compliment the original structure, and add to rather than detract from the features that give the venue its distinct character.
The work in the main auditorium began on site in July 2005, involving some very precise planning to maintain the acoustic capabilities of the original structure. As a music and theatre venue the acoustics are absolutely vital and the glazing fitted in the lantern and Halo had to achieve an acoustic rating of 62db.
In addition the outer curve of the new wing was clad with a bespoke rainscreen system comprising louvre panels fabricated from hundreds of 30mm x 5mm aluminum flats, and finished in Anolok bronze anodising.
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