John Brash western red cedar shingles have been used as the finishing touch to the domed roofs of Scunthorpe’s headline-grabbing new sport and leisure centre.
Designed by Andrew Wright Associates and S&P Architects, the £21m complex, comprising giant geodesic glulam- and steel-framed igloo structures, has become known simply as The Pods.
Engineering calculations showed that Brash’s cedar shingles were the best solution for the roof, with masonry-based equivalents proving too heavy for the shallow curves of the domes.
Brash says the certified shingles have a minimum 40-year lifespan.
“Shingles were specified because they are sustainable and strong, yet lightweight,” said Ron Wallwork of S&P Architects.
The Pods house a 25m pool, dance studio and gym and are due to open this summer. The main contractor was timber building specialist B&K Structures and the roofing contractor Advanced Roofing
