Latest News & Insights | Maple

Maple are creating twisted-fin architectural façade for Swansea multi-storey

Written by Jake Dunn | 31/05/21 15:13

A twisted-fin architectural façade will be the standout feature on a new multi-storey in Swansea.

More than 2,000 vertical fins spanning the height of the car park will be precision-twisted to create a ‘wave’ effect on the façade.
 
The striking design is set to rival the façade on Maple’s project at Victoria Gate car park in Leeds, voted one of the ‘coolest’ in the world.
 
The design is the brainchild of AFL Architects, who have worked closely with Maple’s design team to transform the concept into buildable reality. The collaborative process has also involved main contractors Buckingham Group.
 
Unlike the award-winning façade in Leeds, which created a diamond-effect with polished metal, the Swansea fins will be powder-coated in a deep metallic pink.
 
However, the project will face many of the same design and installation challenges, with sprung fixing brackets being used to absorb any movement of the floors caused by vehicles.
 
Swansea Central car park is part of the £1bn redevelopment of the city centre. It will serve, among other things, a new 3,500-capacity indoor arena. Maple are scheduled to finish on-site in the summer, with the car park and arena set to open later in 2021.