Steel Construction Vol 40 No 1 - Architecturally Exposed Steel | Page 17

SAISC PROJECTS

PROJECT TEAM
Client:
SANRAL
Architects:
Mashabane Rose Associates Architects
(Retro stations)
Mathews & Associates Architects (Memory
Box stations)

Horizontal channels run the full length of
the station on either side of each column
line, forming the skeleton for an element
referred to as the ‘weatherband’. The latter
element serves as a flashed horizontal
interface between the area below (wider)
and above (narrower) to ensure
weatherproofing of the station.

Main Contractor:
Group Five Construction

The roof is characterised by long overhanging purlins at the gable ends, and a
substantial galvanized U-shaped gutter
running the full length of the station at
eaves level. Downpipes are included within
the steel columns to hide storm water
discharge from the roof.

Steelwork Contractor:
Khombanani Steel

Memory Box Stations

Structural Engineer:
Royal Haskoning DHV
Quantity Surveyor:
Equate Quantity Surveyors

Detailing Company:
3D-Struct
Hot Dip Galvanizers:
Armco Isando
Corrosion Protection:
DRAM Industrial Painters

skeleton of the station is steel. It is chosen
for its durability, lightweight construction,
speed of construction as well as the form
it can produce in reference to the historic
electric trams.
Galvanized steel is used as the roof
sheeting; the ceiling is aluminium and the
ticketing kiosk and disabled WC are made
wholly from stainless steel. Steel is also
used in rudimentary but essential public
objects such as benches, handrails and
waste bins.
For the structural frame, tubular steel
columns are used with the radius bent to
the outside to resemble the historical tram
design. Columns are spaced 4 metres apart.
The curved beam profile linking the two
column tops complete the portal frame.

The Memory Box station types were
specifically chosen to be in sensitive
historical locations where they are required
to be ‘non buildings’ that blend into their
sensitive historical contexts.
The Memory Box station differs from the
Retro Tram stations in that they are lower in
scale so as to be less intrusive in their
surrounding context. Consisting primarily of
glass panels running all the way up to the
roof line, the intention is for the stations to
reflect their surroundings while the
apparent simple yet multi-layered facades
consist of randomly staggered glass and steel
elements which blend into the constant
movement and activity of the inner city’s
traffic and pedestrians.
Some stations consist of two modules
connected by a link. Where space allowed,
these links were designed as open spaces
with trees and benches. The inclusion of
trees in these spaces provides welcome
foliage and shading for the inner-city as well
as providing a more naturally relaxing
experience for commuters waiting for a
connecting bus.

The main structure comprises small square
hollow section columns spaced at 2 metres,
connected with a horizontal I-beam to form
a portal. In the longitudinal direction, the
columns are connected at regular intervals
with hot-rolled channels and angles,
according to the architect’s design. The
portals are connected longitudinally with a
deep channel profile running the full length
of the station at eaves level. The roof is
characterised by an internal gutter (behind
the tie-channel) and a raised centre portion
(on the ridge).
Despite the relative high density of the
structural steel frame (architect’s
requirement), the overall impression of the
station is still ‘light’, with all the glazed
cladding. There are no vertical service ducts
in the station, and all services (electrical and
data) is routed through the hollow sections.
The concept of a Meccano set was used to
manufacture as many parts as possible offsite and to bolt them together on site.
Internally the space is ‘animated’ by a
suspended wooden ceiling which consists of
hanging wooden panels cut to form an
impression of flowing waves.
Vertical elements announce each station and
act as landmarks in each specific urban
setting. Therefore the idea was proposed
and accepted that these vertical elements
should include an artwork which relates
specifically to their surroundings. These art
works will enhance the city with a
remarkable art collection from some of our
most prominent contemporary artists;
brightening the day of the daily commuters
and even becoming a reason to simply do an
‘Art Circuit’ tour of the city on the TRT
system.
Working in unison with glass, the steel
component in this project brings a user into
a world-class public transport system.

Steel Construction Vol. 40 No. 1 2016

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