Impressive new Glassolutions look for Rochdale Interchange

Glazing for the internal and external façades and shop frontages for the Rochdale Transport Interchange was designed by GLASSOLUTIONS to create a frameless, glass-to-glass appearance and achieve visual consistency across the project."390" height="249" src="/UserFiles/4(456).jpg" alt="" />

GLASSOLUTIONS was brought in at the planning stages of the £11.5m project, working closely on the design with AHR Architects and Kier Construction. They introduced Wicona, who put forward the WICTEC 50SG option, based on one single system and common components, tooling and processes to simplify specification and reduce time and costs in fabrication and installation.

GLASSOLUTIONS Sales Manager Keith Ferguson said: “This was a particularly complex façade project because the interchange is located on a sloping site, resulting in the angle increasing from one mullion to the next, which means every single pane of glass had to be different. Saint-Gobain glass was used right across the interchange as part of a highly innovative, energy-efficient and specially-adapted glass and aluminium façade solution from Wicona.”

The outer glass was 6mm SGG PARSOL® grey body tinted toughened safety glass, which provides essential solar control to help deliver a comfortable internal environment. The cavity is 20mm air filled with Wicona SG toggle insert. Inner glass was 9.5mm SGG STADIP PROTECT® clear laminated safety glass.

The project was funded jointly by the Department for Transport, Transport for Greater Manchester and Rochdale Borough Council. The building was designed to be highly transparent, with an enclosed single concourse creating a dramatic cornerstone feature to the town for visitors and daily users. The project has successfully delivered an enhanced experience for users, with exceptional passenger facilities, and is one of Europe’s first hydroelectric powered transport interchanges.

It has since been recognised with the award for Lancashire Regional Project of the Year at the North West Regional Construction Awards, and the award for Best Medium Project at the North West Structural Awards, organised by the Institution of Structural Engineers. The project was also shortlisted in two categories in the RICS North West Awards and for an LABC Constructing Excellence Regional Award.