Steam Bridge
Birmingham
People arriving at the University get off the train and they stop, look over and say ‘wow what’s that?’ – To get people to go ‘wow’ for a services project is a really great thing.
The bridge is a key part of a forward- looking major project to refurbish and extend the University of Birmingham’s CHP network. MJP Architects have designed the curved 2k finished, laser cut, Grade 316 stainless cladding for a very long service life with zero cleaning and maintenance. The 60 metre superstructure was pre-clad off-site by Sorba Projects BV, transported to site in two spans, and installed during an overnight line closure.
The success of the bridge is that it reduces our carbon footprint by in excess of 1,500 tonnes of carbon per year and gives us a vastly improved security of supply
The completed bridge carries services over a busy railway and canal, and incorporates a walkway to allow safe access for internal maintenance and inspection of the steam mains, which forms a crucial part of the University’s sustainable energy strategy, reducing their carbon footprint.
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- Client
- University of Birmingham
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- Completion
- 2011
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- Awards
- Civic Trust Award Commendation, 2013
- University of Birmingham BUAFTA Awards for Tremendous Achievement – Idea of the Year, 2012
- Download PDF 2.18 MB
Photos: Simon Kennedy