The completion of the Olympia glass canopy marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of Kensington Olympia. Engineered by Eckersley O’Callaghan, the steel and glass structure now sits atop the public realm space, creating a visual link with the site's historic Victorian arches.
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The canopy features five glass arches, each spanning 25 metres, supported by a lightweight ladder frame structure. This design forms a pleated surface where the glass is carefully mounted. By separating the structural and facade functions, the engineers were able to optimise the design and refine the visual appearance of the canopy.
A key focus in the development process was on minimising the impact of the structural components on the glass, allowing the glass to remain a prominent feature of the overall design. The structure was assembled on-site using prefabricated modules, which ensured precision and efficiency.
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Water drainage for the canopy was also integrated into the design with minimal visual disruption. Water is channelled from the valleys of the pleated glass surface towards the arches, with discreet gutters placed beneath the structure to ensure effective drainage without distracting from the glass design.
