Maple’s latest installation for Arle Court Transport Hub marks one of our most bespoke façades to date.
Trapezoidal fins create the seamless impression of texture and movement on the faces of a new transport hub in Cheltenham.
The placement of the fins was integral to achieving this effect as each unique fin was designed for a specific location on the façade. Every fin was powder-coated pearl gold however, due to the curvature of the trapezoidal fins, they appear to be different shades of gold depending on the angle of which the sun hits them.
With the complete façade totalling around 4,500 fins, expertise and close collaboration from day one was paramount. Before we began work onsite, our design team worked alongside architects BDP and main contractor Kier to transform their design into a buildable reality. One of the ways we achieved this was through advanced 3D modelling technologies such as BIM which encompass not only the graphical depiction of a structure, but also the data that sits behind it. To learn more, take a look at our Knowledge Centre article: ‘What is BIM?’
In addition to the fins, Maple installed a horizontal strip of white feature flashing that wraps around the development. The flashing was fixed using angled cleats which allowed it to be attached to the range of fin styles.
The new transport hub is officially open and operational, featuring a 1000-space multi-storey car park and a ‘Park and Ride’ to provide residents with easy access to the town centre. Other amenities include an expanded bus terminal, 100 charging points for electric cars and improved facilities for cyclists.