Library Steels the show

While preparations are taking place on Stephenson Street for the installation of the steel cladding for New Street Station, see picture below, the first section of the metal work cladding to the new Library of Birmingham was installed at 10.15 am this morning (10th August).

Preparation for the installation of steel cladding for New Street station.


Each section will be installed one by one after being hoisted by crane and affixed to a bespoke steel bracket.

The design for the Library’s exterior echoes the gasometers, tunnels, canals and viaducts which fuelled Birmingham’s industrial growth. Featuring a series of interweaving circles of two different sizes, the overlapping aluminium rings will extend across the building from the first to the eighth floor. Each imposing piece will be formed of 5.4m diameter black rings, with silver circles of 1.8m diameter attached. http://www.businessbirmingham.com/media-centre/latest-news/first-section-of-the-new-library-of-birminghams-striking-fa%C3%A7ade-is-installed

The photos below were taken at 4.30 pm on the 10th August.













Meanwhile, internally, Contractor EMCOR Group has begun installing mechanical and electrical systems.

Environmental features at the complex will include a grey water harvesting system and natural ventilation systems. Efficient cooling will be provided via passive chilled beams fed from an open loop ground water extraction and reinsertion system, connected to an aquifer located 150m below the streets of Birmingham. http://www.engineeringapprentice.co.uk/article/36049/Skills-pledge-at-new-Birmingham-library-project.aspx