James & Taylor, the Surrey-based cladding specialist, has provided 2,400m2 of Eyetech expanded aluminium mesh in a clear anodised finish for the extension to the Excel exhibition centre in east London. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, the extension provides an additional 32,000m2 of floor space and will be used as a venue for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.

The Eyetech system is used on the north elevation, the east elevation and an internal elevation. The 12m high facade has been fixed back to the primary steelwork only on three levels so a bespoke wind post profile was engineered to allow for the large spans and cantilevering of the uppermost panels.

The mesh folds back into the building at the entrance and passes through the curtain walling to become an interior elevation, which is punctuated in several places by the link bridges where the high level of detailing is on display. The diffused light that filters through the mesh veil gives a light and open feel to these spaces.

James & Taylor
www.jamesandtaylor.co.uk

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