On Guard with our Glazing Solution

Paddington Station in London is undergoing its biggest transformation since it was built in the 1850s with a ￡65m upgrade. Crossrail’s Elizabeth line opens here in December 2018 and around 25m passengers are expected to pass through Paddington each year. The station will be constructed as an underground concrete box beneath Eastbourne Terrace and Departures Road over three levels and with two entrances.

We were brought in for our Tekla design expertise enabling us to produce 3D designs during the development of bombproof glass balustrades and the two associated walkways and staircases. The walkways and balustrades will be fitted on the upper and lower levels of the station with staircases linking the two.

We worked with existing designs prepared by Crossrail and our client with a strict remit to remain true to the original drawings. This challenge differed from conventional projects as the bombproof glazing specification needed close monitoring by the structural engineers throughout the design process. 

With one of our project engineers working on the detailed fabrication drawings, we applied the client's calculations and bombproof glass testing data to our Tekla 3D designs. Together our team found a balance to meet the exacting standards of the structural requirements without compromise to the aesthetics of the architectural metalwork and glazing.

The results of this project bring a vital contribution towards passenger safety at Paddington Station.

Images: Get West London