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Abstract
A gridshell is a structure that gains its strength and stiffness through its double curvature configuration. Its advantages are a minimum use of materials, structural efficiency and the creation of a large volume, as well as the potential for quick and cost-effective construction. However, few gridshells have been built due to a lack of knowledge and data. The process of creating the Downland Gridshell, as a specialist museum workshop completed in the spring of 2002, is a case study of successful collaboration and innovation in architecture, engineering and construction led by a multidisciplinary team of practitioners. This gridshell structure was composed of a double layer of mats comprising four layers of thin timber laths. These were harnessed together as a flat mat and then formed into a three-dimensional structure by a carefully orchestrated lowering of each supporting scaffolding prop, thereby harnessing gravity to pull the mat into shape. Many innovations are described in detail: team working, risk sharing, multidisciplinary design, structural modelling, the creation of new structural components, cladding, and construction processes including the sequence and techniques of gridshell forming. Advances made in this project have added to the knowledge of gridshell behaviour, construction and cost, thereby making the design and construction of future timber gridshells a more viable option.
Acknowledgements
Of particular note with regard to the funding of the project is the Heritage Lottery Fund. The monitoring and recording of the process were made possible through a research grant from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Fast Track Research fund. This has been a team project and many individuals from the various organizations involved in the design and construction have made significant contributions in realizing this unique project: client – Weald and Downland Open Air Museum near Chichester, Sussex: Chris Zeuner and Richard Harris; architect – Edward Cullinan Architects: Steve Johnson, Ted Cullinan, Robin Nicholson and John Romer; structural engineers – Buro Happold: Richard Harris, Michael Dickson, James Rowe, Jamie Siggers, Shane Dagger and Ollie Kelly; mechanical and electrical engineers – Buro Happold: Doug King and Peter Moseley; project manager and quantity surveyor – Boxall Sayer: Paul Comins, David Foster and Clive Sayer; carpentry specialist – Green Oak Carpentry Co.: Andrew Holloway, Steve Corbett and Guy Bagshaw; main contractor – E. A. Chiverton: Mike Wigmore and Chris Silverson; specialist scaffolding contractor – PERI: Howard Ball and Jurgen Kuerth; Heritage Lottery Fund: Terry Doyle.
