Farnborough project lives up to 3D vision as exhibition centre prepares to open

Maple won a tender to supply and install solar shading for the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre.

Today, sweeping curves of aluminium brise soleil blades set an aeronautical theme at the new centre... but only after we created a 3D video walkthrough to show the client and architect how it would look.

It’s just another way how Maple can visualise new and complex designs before manufacture ― we also have a samples and prototype facility at our Stockport factory.

The design of the purpose-built venue by architects Terence O’Rourke was heavily influenced by Farnborough’s proud history as the birthplace of British aviation.

Our products make a striking contribution to the theme, with five levels of aerofoil-profiled blades curving in three dimensions round the front façade of the centre, which is due to open for exhibitions, conferences, meetings and corporate events in March 2018.

We used our heavy-duty Aurora blade for added strength across the longer spans of the design, with specialist fixings for cladding and glazed curtain-wall areas. And while some tight curves challenged our design and manufacturing expertise, the result is a seamless sweep of blades that will firmly underline Farnborough’s association with aeronautical testing and development.

The project also included the supply and installation of a louvre screen for the centre’s boiler room to maintain airflow but protect the equipment from the elements (and hide it from view).