Lakesmere Enables Construction Of Slough's New Bus Station

The undulating shape of Slough's new bus station's roof, which has been designed to represent waves of light in recognition of Slough astronomer William Herschel, is actually formed by two individual canopies that are separated by a rooflight and which move independently. Created to replace the outdated 1970s Brunel Bus Station, the new facility plays a pivotal role in the wider regeneration of Slough and its transport infrastructure.

Lakesmere was appointed by main contractor McClaren to create Slough Bus Station’s imposing 140m long roof structure using the Kalzip XT aluminum cladding system.

As one of the only specialist contractors in the UK to have worked with the product to date, Lakesmere drew upon its past experiences and in-house technical expertise to develop a detailed 3D model from the architect’s initial 2D setting out information and 3D skin model.

With painstaking attention to detail, the gutter geometry was also drawn and manufactured using 3D technology to ensure that it coordinated with the primary steelwork. Once Lakesmere’s model had been created, it was made available to the other members of the supply chain to enable the construction programme to run more efficiently.

Owing to the shape of the back canopy, the roof design was found to be subject to movement depending on the force, speed and direction of the wind and so careful consideration had to be given to the design of the supporting secondary steel work in order to allow the roof to flex and for any up-lift to be minimized. The canopy roofs were also designed to flex as the building was being built to accommodate future plans to extend one of the canopies.

Located adjacent to Slough’s railway station and close to the town centre, the project’s close proximity to high-traffic pedestrian areas meant that access to the site was problematic. With health and safety always a top priority, the Lakesmere team incorporated the requirement for a removable roof to the main structure so that plant could be safely lifted in and out of the building.