Inflatable Roof Takes Off At Heathrow A pioneering inflatable roof is now a stunning feature at Heathrow Airport's bus and coach station. The 1100 m2 air translucent roof was inflated overnight creating a column free, triple storey coach station concourse which will eventually provide a comfortable new environment for the eight million passengers that use the station annually. National Express and BAA have worked together on the redevelopment to better meet the needs of passengers traveling to Heathrow airport. As part of a £2.5million investment, the inflatable roof is an economical and creative solution which will transform the coach station in a much faster time than if traditional construction methods and materials had been used. The iconic structure was conceived by Birmingham-based D5 Architects and engineered in conjunction with balloonist Per Lindstrand. It took a year to design and develop the roof using aeronautical engineering; however, the actual manufacturing took just eight weeks. Although the roof is self-supporting, Mansell Airports - contractor on the coach station's redevelopment - has constructed a steel frame to which the roof is attached. The roof is translucent, allowing the space to be naturally lit during daylight hours, and it has been made from a highly durable and very strong material; a gloss white PVC-coated fabric that is unlikely to sustain damage through normal use. As the roof is formed of three independent sections, should one section deflate through severe damage, the remaining two will maintain the roof's structural integrity. Denis Wormwell, Chief Executive National Express said: "National Express is constantly striving to deliver an excellent experience to coach customers in the UK. This redevelopment reinforces the company's commitment to our customers and we are delighted that the efforts of all key partners have resulted in such an innovative scheme." Dominic Lowe, General Manager of Commercial Transport at BAA Heathrow said "This is a very creative solution that will further enhance the passenger experience at Heathrow. A great deal is being invested in updating the airport's facilities and I am delighted that we have been able to construct this major redevelopment with minimum impact to passengers." The roof was delivered to the site on a flat-bed lorry as a single cylinder and lifted onto the steel frame using a crane; six fans were then permanently installed. The following evening the fans were switched on inflating the entire roof in just two hours. Ratchet straps were then tied into steel hoops on the outside beam. An outside skirt was fixed into position to maintain weather protection. A control system that links air sensors to the fans will ensure the internal pressure is monitored and maintained. Commenting, Ian Saunders, partner at D5 Architects said: "We have extensive experience in transport architecture and are delighted to be involved with such a high profile project. Its design and development represents an aesthetic solution that creates a balance between a unique spatial experience and the innovative use of technology. BAA and National Express were able to see the potential of the concept from the outset and have played an active role in the pioneering use of this technology and the unique development of the design we see here today". The coach station redevelopment will be completed in late December 2005. Meanwhile, Mansell is finalising structural work, including the installation of glazed facades and the enlargement of existing retail outlets that will serve as 'walls' for the new station. Jonathan Winter, Director of Mansell Airports states: "Passengers will barely recognise the new-look building. It will be extremely light and airy, and very user-friendly. The inflatable roof certainly gives it that 'wow' factor. We look forward to handing it over to National Express and BAA." -ENDS-
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