Client: Gateshead International Stadium
Type of works: supply of decorative ‘Circa’ column casings
As part of the £multi-million refurbishment and upgrading of Gateshead International Stadium, decorative ‘Circa’ column casings from Encasement are being used to conceal structural columns of up to 7.0 metres high in the sports centre’s stylish new reception and main entrance foyer.
The £7.6 million project was designed by S&P Architects and constructed by Willmott Dixon, involved the development of a new building to house its reception, cafe and catering as well as providing teaching space for Gateshead College & Sports Academy.
Within the spacious ground floor area and the first floor gallery level, all of the structural columns have been concealed by 350mm and 500mm diameter pre-formed plywood column casings from Encasement, finished in brushed aluminium Formica DecoMetal® laminate, which adds to the interior’s contemporary design.
Encasement supplied and installed 16 column casings for the project, six of which stand 7.0 metres high and are located adjacent to the building’s striking curved glass facade and main entrance, while the remaining 10 casings stand 3.0 metres high and are situated on both the ground and upper gallery floors.
To contrast with the brushed aluminium finish, each column casing is fitted with a highly polished 150mm high stainless steel collar at the base together with the jointing and infill strips, which enhance the aesthetics of the finished installation.
Encasement’s MD, Martin Taylor, explained: “Gateshead Stadium is probably one of the best known venues in the UK and is highly regarded in international athletics across the world, so it’s especially pleasing for us to be involved with such an important project that has improved the facilities for competitors, spectators, students and visitors.”
He added: “By supplying and installing the column casings, we were not only able to integrate with the contractor’s construction programme but also take complete responsibility for our products from the initial order right through to the final unveiling. This is the latest in a series of key sports projects that we have been involved in, which also includes the Olympic handball arena and we have a number of further contracts in place in the run up to the 2012 games.”