Octatube

This design by Sheppard Robson was both innovative and challenging. The Mikado-like structure needed to appear to hover under the glass whilst locked in place by the two neighbouring grade II listed buildings. Octatube began by designing and engineering ideas to create this steel structure that would ultimately become a key feature of the Sammy Ofer Centre (London Business School). Multiple (engineering) solutions ensured that we could complete the design within budget, on schedule, and with high-quality aesthetic finish. For example, the existing walls had to be able to support the weight of the new steel addition, and the cornices of the old buildings - which, of course, needed to remain undamaged - dictated the maximum incline for the new roof design. That angle turned out to be merely one and a half degrees requiring a very structurally robust structure within a limited available building height. We devised a new method to detach the architect’s desired ‘seamless loop plates’ from the structural core, making divisions invisible. By pre-fabricating the steel frame in our workshop, we ensured minimal welding on site. Fitting the massive steel frame between the monumental buildings was a significant challenge. We take pride in our collaborative efforts with all parties involved, successfully completing the unique and remarkable glass and steel structure of the Sammy Ofer Centre. Read more about this project: https://lnkd.in/eC_ra7tQ London Business School | Sheppard Robson | Wates Group #MikadoStructure #ArchitectureDesign #StructuralEngineering #ConstructionInnovation #SteelStructures #BuildingDesign #InnovativeEngineering #LondonBusinessSchool 📷 Hufton + Crow

#ThrowBackThursday - Back in 2003, we broke new ground with cold twisting double glass, leading to the realisation of the stunning Townhall of Alphen aan de Rijn (NL). The distinctive, complex free form geometry and the innovative character of the building - designed by Erick van Egeraat - suited Octatube’s expertise perfectly. The town hall's design features a complex arrangement of geometrical systems, including cone-shaped, straight-lined, and twisted surfaces. The front façade stands out due to its cone-shape and silver-coloured screening. The realisation of free form designs and double curves was still in its early stages, and no one had experience with cold twisting of insulating glass. We were among the first to use it on the 'spaghetti' twisted facades at the back of the Townhall. We cold twisted the flat panels on site by pressing them into a continuous U-profile, then, waterproofed the façade with a rubber fastener and silicone sealant. Since then, the technology used for cold bending and twisting glass has progressed. We remain proud of the pioneering achievements we did back in the days. Providing us with the knowledge, passion and inspiration to innovate using new and emerging technologies in realising challenging architecture. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e5PwKnZm #ArchitecturalInnovation #GlassTwisting #InnovativeArchitecture #FreeFormGeometry #ColdTwistingGlass #BuildingTechnology

From the very beginning, a guiding principle in the design and detailing of the OWO pavilion was to ensure the structure could be completely dismantled. By only using bolted joints and avoiding on-site welding, the structure can be fully disassembled and reconstructed in an other location without needing to reproduce any components. This approach not only extends the lifespan of materials but also reduces waste and lessens environmental impact. Prioritising reusability and material efficiency boosts the pavilion's sustainability and sets a standard for future projects aiming to blend innovative architecture with environmental responsibility. Realizing challenging architecture Responsibly & sustainable In close interplay with DaeWha Kang Design | Arup| Ardmore Group | Fielitz GmbH Read more: https://lnkd.in/ewcPv39T #SustainableArchitecture #InnovativeDesign #BoltedJoints #SustainableDesign #ReusableMaterials #facadedesign #RafflesLondon #TheOWO #cafelaperouse #BespokeSolutions #BCorp #UNSDG12 📸 KYUNGSUB SHIN STUDIO

Rokin 49 in Amsterdam features an unique semi-circular roof spanning 80 metre, cladded with 423 rhombus-shaped sandwich panels and is engineered to support its own weight, eliminating the need for columns. The sandwich panels are made of curved glass, cladding and insulation material. While their shape remains the same, the size of the glass in the panels differs. Towards the top of the structure, the glass within the panels reduces in size until there is no glass present. Because the glass is hot bent, it could be attached to the panels without visible connections. The seam is flush with structural silicon sealant. Logistical challenges arose from the project’s busy city centre location in Amsterdam, including limited space for on-site storage of materials. To meet the tight schedule, we precisely timed the delivery and installation of the roof elements and sandwich panels. This called for detailed coordination with all involved parties and the use of BIM technology, ensuring this complex inner city project was completed successfully. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e4gAQYx2 Ivy Group | Van Wijnen | Rijnboutt #GridShellArchitecture #SteelGlassArchitecture #StructuralEngineering #Rokin49 #AmsterdamArchitecture #CurvedGlass #BIMTechnology #ConstructionChallenges 📸 Ivy Group

This is no ordinary retractable glass roof. The sliding mechanism of this roof, located in central London, presented us with some intriguing technical challenges. Transparency, finishing and indoor climate were given full attention. The roughly 48 sqm roof features four glass sections. One section is stationary along the façade, while the other three are designed to slide underneath. Shifting the weight to one side of the roof posed a challenge to maintain the required structural stiffness. We calculated this stiffness for each moment of displacement. In addition, using a telescopic, inside-out sliding method added complexity to the task of waterproofing the roof. To optimise the indoor climate when the roof is closed, the glass has a special solar coating and we integrated mechanical ventilation in the roof design. The glass in the stationary roof section has a dotted screen print covering half of its surface, which mitigates the greenhouse effect among the glass sections when the roof is retracted. The interior space next to the terrace has a high level of finishing. Naturally, this was also required for the roof. The quality of the coating of the roof, the neatly hidden welds and the visible scooped steel all contribute to the roof's sleek appearance. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eMbskrcE C2J ARCHITECTS & PLANNERS | ARCACIA CONSULTING LTD #RetractableGlassRoof #GlassRoofDesign #StructuralEngineering #TelescopicRoof #SlidingRoof #ArchitecturalChallenges

A design notable for its simplicity, integration of green spaces, and fluid lines that complement the movement of buses. The Bus Connects Plaza located at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, features two remarkable canopies, offering a convenient and aesthetically pleasing experience for commuters. Octatube realised the 130-metre-long canopy for buses and the 250-metre-long canopy for pedestrians, designed by Henry J Lyons. The core of the canopies is partially open, providing space for planters and trees that add to the overall experience. In other places, the core is closed off at the top, with greenery on the roof. Three waiting areas are located in these enclosed sections. Vertical glass panels between the concrete substructure and ceiling provide shelter from wind and rain. Horizontal glass panels with structurally glued (anodised) aluminium profiles hang from the steel core. The glass has a translucent interlayer: lighting from above provides a uniformly luminous glass surface, giving it a warm appearance in the evening. Production was carried out in our workshop where we fabricated the complete steel structure and bonded the glass structurally. Additionally, we integrated the rainwater drainage system within the structure prior to its transport to the building site. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQx3ZTpa Hines Ireland | Henry J Lyons Architects #StructuralEngineering #DublinDesign #GlassAndSteelDesign #UrbanArchitecture #SteelStructures #TranslucentGlass #BusConnectsPlaza #LiffeyValleyShoppingCentre #CanopyDesign #ModernArchitecture 📸 Ste Murray

The steel gridshell roof structure of Shell’s C30 building could not rest on the scaffolding. Therefor, we installed the steel frames in in a specific order, as a reciprocal frame. First, we installed the edge beams, followed by the tension rods, after which the corner frames and other frames were added, progressing towards the centre. A square-shaped void of 21x21 meter remained in the centre of the roof. The last part of the frame had to work as a reciprocal frame. Working with two cranes at the same time, we installed the final four ladder frames. Each frame provides support to its neighbour, while also receiving support in return. The interlocking frames complete the roof, creating a structurally stable construction that does not need any central support. Besides the smooth assembly process in which the reciprocal frame was placed in just 7 hours, we take pride in witnessing its’ perfect fit. It showcases the far reaching perks of advanced prefabrication. Nothing but praise to our colleagues at engineering, production and assembly and their dynamic collaboration from the moment the drawing was on our table. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ejn36YrC De Vries en Verburg | Shell | ABT bv | Turner & Townsend #SteelConstruction #EngineeringFeats #BuildingDesign #ConstructionTechnology #CollaborativeConstruction

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Look at this stunning new glass canopy we have realised. Proud of the result! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDyw2bgj In close collaboration with Heatherwick studio | Laing O'Rourke | Wintech, Façade Engineering Consultants | Adamson Associates Architects | Eckersley O'Callaghan | CSM Steelstructures | #FutureOlympia #OlympiaLondon #StructuralEngineering #GlassCanopy #IconicDesigns

A 55-metres-long roof that undulates with grace, strong enough tot walk on for maintenance, yet visually light as a feather, hovers 9 metres above street level in the city of Tilburg (NL). Architects from Rijnboutt challenged Octatube to make the roof of the Passage in Tilburg undulate as much as possible and simultaneously push the limits of cold twisting of the glass panels. An additional challenging factor (from a structural point of view), was the load: the roof had to be walkable for maintenance. We created a lightweight steel structure designed as a reciprocal frame, featuring hidden bolted connections and no need to weld on site. We designed all the structural details and prefabricated and pre-assembled to the greatest extend within our workshop in Delft to ensure a swift and efficient installation on site. Read more: https://ow.ly/9VaI50SvXA0 📸 Paul van Gaalen & Gert van Santen Rijnboutt | Bouwcombinatie van de Ven-van Schijndel | Wereldhave #StructuralEngineering #RoofDesign #ReciprocalFrame #ConstructionTechnology