01 Aug PAD Contracts architectural metalwork for multiple projects at Stratford Cross (formally IQL)
Stratford Cross
Stratford Cross is a huge regeneration project that has transformed the Stratford area of East London.
Formerly known as International Quarter London, Stratford Cross is located at the gateway to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is now a 3,990,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art mixed-use business, retail, hospitality and residential site, with canal walks and exceptional sports facilities.
Before the 2012 Olympic Games, the IQL site was baron land. The Games was an influential factor behind renewed interest in the redevelopment of IQL from Lendlease, who had built the Athletes’ Village for the Olympic Games. The resulting Stratford Cross site is described as ‘an emerging cultural and creative workplace destination’.
PAD Contracts has been involved in various projects that have made Stratford Cross the inspirational space it is today, with further projects ongoing.
The Turing Building – Completed 2024
Architectural metalwork
The Turing Building offers 21 floors of offices, an Everyman cinema, event space and a biodiverse roof terrace.
PAD Contracts provided architectural and structural steelwork, and expertise to design the seamless flow of the site. This includes ensuring the building’s intricate service network can be maintained by designing crucial walkways:
· Multi-level roof plant area walkways and strategically placed staircases
· Loading bay, Air Handling Units (AHU) bin store platform and mezzanine level AHU platform
Other work includes:
· Essential access points in the loading bay
· End-of-trip stair access to the basement cycle storage area
· Secure lockers with built-in power
· Bollards and door protection systems
· Ladders
· Corner guards and wall protection
· Stainless steel floor protection rails and wheel stoppers
· Design, fabrication and installation of a steel framework for the cinema
New Olympic Gateway Pavilion – completed 2021
Balustrade solutions for outdoor spaces and stairs
The 10,000 sq ft gateway Pavilion is a shared space of eateries, bars and social spaces.
PAD Contracts provided balustrading for the building’s outdoor spaces and stairs. Exterior steel railings were designed to run from ground level up to the first floor, around the perimeter, and onto the rear of the building where the railing splits into two rear staircases.
Other work included:
· Triple laminated low iron glass infill panels
· Timber capping for elements of the balustrading
· ‘Warm to touch’ special coatings
· High grade galvanising
2 Redman Place – completed 2019
Staircases, balustrades and architectural metalwork
2 Redman Place is a 50,000 sq ft sustainable workspace that has achieved BREEAM Outstanding accreditation.
PAD Contracts designed and supplied two internal steel feature staircases, pre-fitted with balustrading and stainless-steel handrails.
Other architectural metalwork included:
· Plant support structures on the roof
· Bicycle racks
· Locker cabinets
· Louvre screening
· Wall protection system
· Ladders, steps and handrails
‘Porte De Couleur’ public artwork piece – completed 2018
Bespoke steel framework and glass panels
The Porte de Couleur sculpture was commissioned by Lendlease for the entrance of Stratford Cross, as an addition to The Line, an art walk from the O2 in Greenwich to Stratford.
The work is made of a large steel ‘line’ that intersects to form triangles. The ‘walls’ are open structures that frame views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
PAD Contracts manufactured the artwork at the company’s factory in Waltham Abbey, and then shipped and installed it. The mild steel hollow sections were applied with a hot zinc spray coating and polyester powder coated finish to withstand all weather conditions. The laminated coloured glass segments were carefully bonded into stainless steel framing.
S5, home of the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority – completed 2018
Staircase modules
S5 is a 15 storey building at Stratford Cross, occupied by the FCA’s 3500 employees.
PAD Contracts was commissioned to create large bespoke external steel staircases, railings, handrails and enclosure framework.
The 15 storey staircases featured:
· External hollow section steel frameworks to house the steel staircases
· Bespoke metal railings and posts
· Powder coating in cobalt blue to contrast with the vibrant yellow wall cladding
· A brushed stainless steel handrail
London Aquatics Centre – completed 2011
Architectural metalworks
The London Aquatics Centre is the site of the former 2012 Olympic pool.
PAD Contracts designed and installed stainless steel safety handrails throughout the spectator seating area that has a total capacity of 3,800 when staging major events.
Due to the damp, corrosive environment of the swimming arena, it was necessary to use grade 316 stainless steel which contains molybdenum for improved corrosion resistance.
PAD Contracts – your architectural metalwork partner
Get in touch to find out how PAD Contracts can assist with your next project.