Page 1 - Metal-Matters-issue-10

Metal Matters

Issue 10: Summer 2014

Faberge egg is the inspiration

for Russian ice dome

Over 22,000 square metres of tapered Kalzip aluminium coloured aluminium composite panels studded with LEDs
standing seam sheets were used to create the to produce a ‘glowing’ envelope that reflects both the
weatherproof building envelope of the spectacular environment and the continual changes of daylight.
12,000-seater Bolshoy Ice Dome that was used for the Bolshoy Ice Dome’s complex three-dimensional roof
2014 Winter Olympic Games at Sochi in Russia. Designed structure consists of multiple layers; firstly a sub-
and built by SIC Mostovik, this giant domed structure has construction of perforated steel trapezoidal decking sheets
a maximum span of 193 metres, a height of 40 metres and mounted on steel girders. This was topped with a Kalzip
a total surface area of nearly 32,000 square metres.
VCL, two layers of Kalzip compressible mineral wool
Located on the Imeretinskaya Plain which nestles insulation and a tubular substructure of Kalzip Flexicon RR
between the Caucasus Mountains and the shores of 80 onto which the Kalzip roofing sheets were affixed.
the Black Sea, the Sochi Olympic Park comprises a
coastal cluster of 11 new purpose-built venues specially Kalzip senior engineer, Robert Thiebes explains, “This
constructed for the 2014 Winter Games. Created to host flexible tubular substructure is particularly suitable for
the ice hockey events, the Bolshoy Ice Dome is widely accommodating tolerances and minor variations in
considered to be the most impressive and complex of the height of the supporting steel structure to ensure
these venues. After the Games, the arena now serves as the required level of the Kalzip outer skin. With such a
an ultra-modern, world-class, multi-purpose sports and sophisticated building geometry as this structure, it’s
entertainment centre. most important that the Kalzip system is mounted in the
appropriate plane to achieve the dome’s complex shape.”
Inspired by the Russian’s iconic Fabergé egg, the
innovatively designed external envelope of the Bolshoy Ice To ensure the complete integrity of the Kalzip roof, a
Dome can change its colour like a chameleon. Although great deal of intricate welding work was necessary at
the Fabergé egg was the main creative criterion, the design the sheet joints, particularly around the ridge area. A
concept of the dome also emulates a frozen water droplet, series of aluminium top hat section supports mounted
according to Alexander Knyazev from the Russian architect on angle brackets were then attached to Kalzip FA seam
SIC Mostovik. He explains, “We decided on a clear clips fastened to the standing seam without penetrating
elliptical basic form with a dome-shaped superstructure. the Kalzip. The aluminium composite panels with their
The exterior design was to allow different plays of colour integrated LED technology were then affixed to the
with the use of LED technology. Depending on needs, both network of T-section supports to complete the impressive
Fabergé-like and arbitrary patterns can be generated. Of rainscreen overcladding.
course, single-colour or white lights can also be projected, Employing this type of construction technique means that
so that the building then appears very puristic and clean.” an infinite variety of creative design options are available
to architects by using the Kalzip standing seam system to
This ever-fascinating dome gains its spectacular insulate and weatherproof the building envelope and carry
appearance from the shape which is formed by the Kalzip virtually any type of rainscreen overcladding as
aluminium roof which is an aesthetic façade.
overclad with
pearl-