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A grandstand with a dramatic cantilevering roof is the centrepiece of a wider racecourse redevelopment masterplan.<\/h4>\nA grandstand with a dramatic cantilevering roof is the centrepiece of a wider racecourse redevelopment masterplan.<\/h4>\nFACT FILE<\/strong> To maintain its competitive position as one of the top racing venues, a redevelopment of the site has been undertaken to meet anticipated future demands.<\/p>\n At the heart of the masterplan is a new grandstand, whose design<\/a> had to respond to the site\u2019s unique context in an elegant, yet unobtrusive style. In its formal expression, the new grandstand is comprised of stacked horizontal forms, crowned with a dramatic soaring cantilever roof that recognises the planar landscape in which it is set.<\/p>\n According to project architect Grimshaw, the dramatic 7,200m\u00b2 cantilever roof design was key to creating the architectural vision, with the envelope<\/a> surfaces tuned to mask the depth of the structure and create a gravity-defying illusion with cantilever spans ranging from 27m in the central area to 45m in the double-cantilevered corners.<\/p>\n The roof structure, supported on the exposed precast concrete grandstand frame below, consists of a regular arrangement of steel cantilever trusses tapering into open plated sections<\/a> at the tips to create the razor-sharp leading edge as well as simplifying fabrication. Additional spine trusses<\/a> follow the diagonal hip line of the roof corners, creating a two-way lattice frame with optimised planar geometry.<\/p>\n AECOM Project Engineer Michael Orr says the main challenge for the Curragh Racecourse was the design of the steelwork forming the doubly cantilevered roof and specifically the detail design and fabrication<\/a> of the complex three-dimensional nodes supporting the dramatic overhangs.<\/p>\n \u201cThe nodes, and their interfaces with the exposed concrete structure below, required intensive collaboration between AECOM\u2019s designers and the steel fabricators to resist the high concentrations of load from the two-way spanning structure, and to ensure all tolerances<\/a> and pre-setting requirements could be achieved. This allowed the sharp leading edge of the roof to be perfectly aligned after de-propping.\u201d<\/p>\n Integrating the structural solution with the building envelope was also key to the success of realising the team\u2019s mutual vision. For the long-span double-clad roof AECOM\u2019s structural engineers and fa\u00e7ade<\/a> engineers worked hand-in-hand to deliver a holistic design solution, minimising the overall quantities of structural steelwork by ensuring all steel surfaces were fully coordinated with the cladding fixing requirements. This included integrating with the MEP, lighting and rainwater collection systems without compromising the structural or visual integrity.<\/p>\n \u201cStructural steelwork was used as it was the only cost-effective<\/a> solution that could meet the demands of the design, in terms of achieving structural performance and creating the architectural drama of the slender cantilevered roof,\u201d adds Mr Orr.<\/p>\n The benefits of steel also extended to the use of modular truss components. These were used where possible and maximised the benefits of offsite fabrication, allowing for flexibility in the construction sequence<\/a>, meaning that the adjacent racecourse could remain operational during the construction works; both for training and a full summer race season; and provided good site tolerance for the installation of the roof finishes to create the seamless continuity of the envelope.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the copper colour of the roof is said to reference the rural, Irish vernacular and agricultural heritage of Kildare, while the contemporary panelled roof structure, comprised of aluminium sinusoidal panels, provides a striking yet empathetic appearance amidst the rolling countryside. Drawing on a palette of neutral tones, the range of material finishes to the buildings consciously link to the local flora, geology and the traditional rural architectural of its setting.<\/p>\n The Racecourse is designed around the movement and flow between the parade rings, the betting and hospitality areas, and the racetrack, with each of the public spaces designed to have a distinctive atmosphere and identity that celebrate the spectacle of racing. The design creates flexible spaces that can be utilised by the racecourse throughout the year to generate revenue outside of racing.<\/p>\n There was a desire to adopt a genuinely positive approach to sustainability<\/a>, and the focus was on lean design and the intelligent use of materials including cement replacements, recycled steel<\/a>, and the adoption of rainwater attenuation and rainwater harvesting as part of a sustainable drainage system. Natural ventilation utilises the exposed thermal mass<\/a> of the frame internally and is supplemented by smart sensors, actuators and efficient systems design to minimise the building\u2019s energy use.<\/p>\n The structure supports high performance glazing systems to maximise daylight to the main public spaces. A fully integrated access and maintenance strategy was developed with the design team to ensure all aspects of the building fabric can be accessed and maintained as required. The use of high-performance protective coatings<\/a> and finishes ensured a durable and robust product.<\/p>\n
\nArchitect: Grimshaw Architects
\nStructural engineer: AECOM
\nSteelwork contractor: Kiernan Structural Steel Ltd
\nMain contractor: John Sisk & Son
\nClient: The Curragh Racecourse Ltd<\/span>The Curragh is one of the world\u2019s most famous racecourses and said to be the spiritual home of flat racing in Ireland.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.newsteelconstruction.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/aw-curragh2-2010.jpg\")
The roof design also allowed the MEP plant to be concealed within the roof space with no detriment to the overall form. The result is a total steelwork mass of approximately 115 kg\/m\u00b2 for the majority of the roof area.<\/p>\n