About the Project
Officially opened in January 2016, Leeds University’s innovative multi-storey car park features Kirkstone perforated metal panels installed as a unique cladding design, with beautiful eye-catching night-time illumination.
Each Kirkstone square panel consists of 2 high points and 2 low points on opposite corners, joined by a central node, generating a 3D relief. Adjacent corners share a node point, as one geometric template panel is rotated repeatedly through 90 degrees to create an undulating surface precisely designed to achieve the free area required for passive natural ventilation. Perforations in the hyperbolic paraboloid panels are therefore both aesthetic and functional.
The Locker team was integral to the success of the project, from start to finish. Our designers worked in partnership with architect Carey Jones (CJCT) to devise the optimum cladding material. All options were considered, including fabric tension mesh, until the final perforated metal panel design was created.
For Wates Group (Shepherd Construction) Locker delivered structural engineering, design, fabrication and installation of the Kirkstone perforated panels, plus a green wall tensioned mesh façade to the lower floors along with all supporting mullions, steelwork and bracketry.
