Curved lines and enhanced clarity

Pilkington Planar structural glazing system was recently specified on Abbey Wood station.

Abbey Wood station is currently served by Southeastern rail services and has been re-developed by Network Rail as part of the Crossrail project. The station will serve the anticipated increase in demand for the Elizabeth line, creating a new pedestrian concourse covered by a zinc-surfaced wing structure.

Travellers enter the new station though a welcoming entrance lobby with a double-height glazed entrance facade, which includes both flat and curved glass.

To maximise sightlines and minimise framing – which would break up the view of the roof-line – the designers specified the Pilkington Planar structural glazing system.

The high volume of public footfall passing through this busy glazed entrance meant that the facade had to be durable and robust to impacts, which was achieved by specifying 21.5mm laminated units. The glass features a SentryGlas interlayer by Kuraray to deliver stronger and lighter laminated glazing compared with traditional polyvinyl butyral (PVB)-based systems, giving greater strength to the system and enhancing safety. The glazing was connected back to the steel structure using Pilkington Planarstainless steel castings.

The units were curved to complement the flowing lines of the station roof, and an acid-etched frit was applied to some units to further enhance the design and make ground-level glass visible to pedestrians where appropriate.

To further enhance the clarity of the facade, Pilkington Optiwhitelow-iron glass was used, giving a natural clarity colour balance to the light passing thorough.

Elsewhere in the station, laminated glass fitted using the Pilkington Planar system was used to create balustrades and bannisters for stairways and exposed edges, to help create a sense of openness across the station, as well as lending a contemporary aesthetic.

Again, Pilkington SentryGlas laminated glazing was used to create these elements, providing the high level of durability required for the application.

Paul Williams, managing director at Vitrine Systems, said: “When it comes to installation, the simplicity of the system and the speed with which it can be fitted mean it’s possible to meet demanding build schedules.”