SAS International’s bespoke metal ceiling tiles, concave coffered tiles with light apertures, bulkhead panels and column casings were specified for the main concourse ticket gate refurbishment programme at Europe’s largest ticket line, and one of London’s main railway destinations – Waterloo Station.
The refurbishment was primarily to install new ticket gates to reduce fare evasion. SAS International’s Project Management Team, working closely with architects and structural engineers Pell Frischmann designed, manufactured and installed the architectural metalwork finished with an Anti-Graffiti paint.
There were three distinct challenges that the project team had to overcome; The programme of works was challenging as there was limited information available. The site had to be surveyed, designs proposed and fabrication started almost simultaneously and all work had to be completed outside the station operating time causing no disruption to members of the public.
SAS International managed the complex situation providing unique solutions for the modulation system, working with the previous structural design.
Nelson Hanna, Principal Architect at Pell Frischmann comments: “The design teams communicated very well, we had regular progress meetings to ensure all parties were aware of any recent design developments. As structural engineers, we had a real challenge to design the column cladding to be able to absorb an impact of a 3 tonne vehicle without tying any reinforcement to the existing column. The solution was to design a steel cage that consisted of 10mm inner and outer structural uprights welded to a floor plate that, in turn, was bolted to the floor slab.
“Careful coordination was required to ensure the frame was securely fixed and didn’t clash with all the existing or new services contained within the slab. SAS International’s cladding system conceals all services while still allowing easy access for maintenance purposes, resulting in a clutter-free application.”
The bulkhead panels form closure to the front and back ceiling detail, and along with the ceiling tiles an area of approximately 950m² was covered in this extensive project.
Lozenge shape columns were also designed with hinged access panels for service maintenance. New columns complement the original cast iron supports in the concourse area and where the two are sited near each other provide an interesting point of contrast.