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| Sector |
Retail |
| Project type |
New build |
| Services provided |
Product / system manufacture Installation |
| Year completed |
2011 |
| Project location |
London |
| Client |
Westfield Stratford City retail and leisure complex |
| Consultant |
ImtechMeica |
| Contractor |
ImtechMeica |
| Products used |
MultiDrain V300S channels and MultiDrain M100DS 0100 |
Uncompromising demands on high aesthetical appearance were placed by the architects on the Westfield project. The drainage specification brief supplied to ACO Technologies PLC was for a discreet and unobtrusive system to provide exceptional functionality.
This posed an immediate dilemma for ACO’s technical team, as maintaining the visual integrity required along the wider paved areas would result in insufficient surface drainage capacity to convey rainwater away, especially during heavy downpours.
In addition the installation challenge required careful planning included the impressive 17.5 metre radius curved patio entrance area to the complex, a triangular stage feature for arts and crafts activities and free-flowing sloping gradient areas.
ACO's specialist experience in design innovation was called upon to overcome this challenge. The team devised a system in one specific area using two interconnected, parallel channels 100mm apart; one blind and one open.
The ACO team also carefully considered important installation factors and specified the use of bespoke MultiDrain V300S channels and MultiDrain M100DS 0100 shallow channels, both manufactured from polymer concrete with stainless steel edge rails and Heelsafe lockable gratings. This minimised the need for deep excavation channelling during installation, saving valuable time and associated costs, especially when installing across structural floor elements around the retail basement area.
To maximise efficiency, ACO supplied the bespoke MultiDrain M100DS channels in 1m and 0.5m straight sections for use with both straight 1m length and curved 0.5m length gratings, allowing contractors to install the channels quickly. The visible gratings were supplied from stock, saving time on delivery and manufacturing with all precise detail work fabricated on site before finally being installed.
In total approximately 2000m of channel were used on the project.
Alan Kirby, Project Manager of management contractor ImtechMeica said, “The grand paved thoroughfare in Westfield Stratford City posed a real challenge for us and will be one of the first sights shoppers see as they approach the entrance, so we knew we had to get the finish right. The sweeping, curved feature, gradient falls and main triangular stage area all presented particular challenges when dealing with surface water drainage, requiring tight tolerances to be adhered to.
"Luckily, drainage specialists ACO Technologies PLC provided us with a quality bespoke low profile surface drainage system that reduced preparatory work saving considerable time. The result has produced strong, precise, accentuated drainage lines that blend perfectly throughout. The whole project is one that we feel both proud of and confident in.”
