Maple have been commissioned to supply and install solar shading at the Royal Horticultural Society’s first new garden in 50 years.
While the sun will shine on the 63-hectare gardens – named RHS Garden Bridgewater - Maple’s system of precisely formed blades will protect visitors to the new timber and glass welcome centre from glare and solar gain.
The project is a collaboration with BAM Construction and the RHS on the site of the former Worsley New Hall, 13 miles west of Manchester city centre. When complete, the new welcome centre will be the hub of the gardens, and will house ticket sales, shops, a café and educational facilities.
Dominated by a striking timber roof measuring 100 metres by 30 metres, the centre will also feature large area of glazing to maximise natural light and provide views over the gardens. Maple’s brise soleil blades of different sizes for different elevations will provide shade during the brightest and hottest part of the day, as well as contributing to the building’s overall aesthetic.
Cost, sustainability, standard lengths, fire retardancy, strength and weatherability were all important considerations when designing the timber brise soleil. The choice of timber demonstrated the client’s commitment to sustainability – but timber systems are heavier than aluminium, so the design of brackets and fixings was equally important in our final specification.
The gardens are due to open in May 2021.