Fabric Roof Walkway.
The Pinkston Basin regeneration project at Port Dundas, Glasgow, will improve recreational water opportunities in the heart of the city. And with the Scottish weather’s reputation, a PVC fabric roof walkway will provide much needed shelter along the length of the water’s edge for both spectators and paddle sport enthusiasts.
Some of the excellent facilities will include: bathing quality water, changing rooms with hot showers, meeting rooms for clubs to lease, a whitewater course and swiftwater rescue training.
The challenge.
The Architects behind the high profile project describe it as a “…low-cost landmark facility, appropriate to its ex-industrial, canalside setting and flexible enough for future expansion.”
Shipping containers are being “upcycled” to store wetsuits, canoes and paddles, and a tower of five stacked containers will provide a landmark feature guiding visitors to Pinkston.
The fabric roof would be required to merge with the industrial/waterside scheme and have the potential to be enlarged at a later date if necessary. An easy to maintain and durable fabric canopy must ensure that the walkway stands the test of time and keep costs to a minimum.
The solution.
We kept the steelwork simple and used box section to mirror the angles and theme of the cargo containers. A galvanized finish gives the structure a long term protection with an appearance that will weather with its surroundings over time and require very little maintenance.
The electrical cables for lights mounted directly on the structure, will all be hidden within the steel frame, protecting it from the elements.
For the canopies, a blue PVC fabric mimics the beautiful blue sky days that Scotland is famous for but also adds a crisp brightness when the weather turns dreich. Running the length of the water’s edge parents can remain dry or shaded while their budding Olympic champions learn to Eskimo roll a few metres away.
