Stand and deliver
Curtain walling, windows and doors from architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer are proving fundamental to the performance of Epsom racecourse’s new grandstand.
According to Roberts Limbrick, architects for design and build contractor Willmott Dixon, the Kawneer products, including framing systems, “met all the requirements of the performance specification in terms of sizes, aesthetics, thermal performance and air tightness.”
Kawneer-approved sub-contractor Leay fabricated and installed the manufacturer’s AA100 dry-jointed curtain walling and 451PT thermal framing system at all levels of the hospitality facilities, AA601 integrated casement windows in multiple locations, patio doors to the second floor hospitality boxes, and series 350 severe-duty commercial entrance doors to main entrances and public spaces.
The £20 million second stage of the racecourse redevelopment involved the demolition of the old grandstand and administration offices and construction of a major new grandstand that contains a 1,000²m betting, conference and exhibition facility on the ground floor, with direct access to bars and catering facilities and links to the external spectator steps overlooking the home of the world-famous Derby.
Major conference and banqueting facilities and race day restaurants are located on the first floor with excellent views and access to external terraces. Corporate boxes and a ‘super box restaurant’ are provided on the second floor, all with superb views over the course.
Roberts Limbrick associate director Aled Roberts said: “A number of different glazed systems were required for the grandstand, including large amounts of curtain walling, to allow superb viewing over the racetrack and surrounding countryside, sliding door systems to provide level access from boxes to viewing balconies and robust glazed doors generally to cater for the large numbers of public passing through the main hospitality areas.”
He added: “The glazing systems had to achieve minimal frame sizes, meet stringent thermal performance levels and be appropriately robust for the highly exposed location on top of Epsom Downs. Kawneer offered relatively economic ranges that met all these requirements.”
