Lakesmere wins Product Performance Award for the design and installation of the London Aquatics Centre's roof package

Lakesmere has secured a top prize in recognition of its work on the iconic London Aquatics Centre at the Balfour Beatty London Aquatics Centre Supplier Awards.

The award ceremony celebrates the contributions made by suppliers to the successful creation of the London Aquatics Centre and out of the 135 companies involved in the scheme, Lakesmere was one of just 15 who were shortlisted for a prize.

Lakesmere received the ‘Product Performance Award’ for “achieving consistently high output through good planning and efficient working” throughout the design and installation of the Aquatics Centre’s complex roof package.

Commenting on the award win, Lakesmere’s Construction Director, Anthony Kirkby said: “The London Aquatics Centre has been one of our most complex contracts to date and we are delighted that our ability to rise to the challenge has been recognized with this award. Client satisfaction is extremely important to Lakesmere and so this accolade is even more special in that it has been awarded by Balfour Beatty. It was a real team effort and everyone at Lakesmere is extremely proud of this achievement."

Lakesmere utilised the highly flexible Kalzip XT aluminium cladding system to help bring to life the dramatic roof design of architect Zaha Hadid. Inspired by the notion of a swimmer breaking the water, the striking wave-form roof smoothly sweeps upwards from the south edge before curving gently down at the northern side. A subtle upwards curve also features at both the eastern and western tips of the roof to further emphasise the structure’s fluid design.

Lakesmere’s extensive design expertise was called upon at the pre-tender stage to value-engineer and develop the complex roof structure. Utilising the latest 3D design technology and logistical planning tools to create a virtual model of the London Aquatics Centre, Lakesmere was then able to realise the architect’s challenging design brief and ensure the successful delivery of the project