Location: Startford, London
Construction cost: £303m
Architect Zaha Hadid Architects
Structural Engineer ARUP
The installation of the stunning wave-shape roof on the aquatics centre at the London 2012 Olympic Park has been successfully completed. Manoeuvring the enormous 2,800 tonne signature piece into position at the venue in Stratford, east London, began in March this year by contractor Balfour Beatty.On 8th April 2008 it was reported that the centre will cost about three times as was originally estimated, totalling about £242m. Cost increases were attributed to construction inflation and VAT increases, and also includes the estimated cost of converting the facility for public use after the Olympics.The roof is stated to be 11,200 square feet (1,040 m2), a reduction from the previously stated 35,000 square feet (3,300 m2).
The Zaha Hadid and Arup designed venue, located in the southern section of the Olympic Park, is being billed as the main “Gateway into the Games”.
During the Games the 17,500-seat centre will host swimming, diving, synchronised swimming, water polo finals and the swimming discipline of the modern pentathlon.
After 2012 its maximum capacity will be reduced to 2,500, with the ability to add 1,000 for major events. There will also be two 50-metre swimming pools, a diving pool and dry diving area.
Work on the aluminium roof covering begins this autumn and early next year installation will start on the timber cladding of the ceiling. Construction started on the venue’s foundations in July 2008.





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