Gilmore Skytrain Station

Testing Ideas – The client was interested in the design solution, but we wanted to test it. We offered to build a full-scale mock-up of a panel. It did not have the refined detailing, but taught us a few things we incorporated into the final design.

Part of the Millennium Line extension to the elevated rapid transit system in Greater Vancouver, this timber roof, being outdoors in a heavily-used facility, was protected on the underside with a thin UV-resistant translucent coating. The 1.5-inch thick, 8 x 16 ft bowed Timberstrand panels also met the fire-rating requirements for heavy timber construction.

Having constructed an initial adjustable prototype for the design by Fast + Epp and the architect, the architect wanted us to build this unique roof, but the public client needed a competitive tendering process. StructureCraft was finally chosen by the successful contractor to refine the design, fabricate, and erect the pretensioned curved Timberstrand roof panels. The 8,200 square foot roof was erected in 4 days.

The fixed-length stainless steel cables can be fine-tuned with an adjustable nose screw that connects the central strut casting assembly.