When the Gandel Group and Vicinity Centres unveil the first phase of Chadstone’s $660 million redevelopment on October 13, visitors to the shopping centre will get their first glimpse of the country’s first glass gridshell roof.
The dramatically curved gridshell roof, which covers more than 7000sqm of roof area and is free spanning up to 42 metres, will encapsulate new international flagship stores, more than 60 new retail stores, a new dining terrace and food gallery, and a new state-of-the-art HOYTS cinema complex.
The iconic gridshell structure – to be revealed to customers next month when Chadstone opens the first and most significant phase of its $660 million development – is based on a lattice framework which derives its strength from its double curvature.
“This world-class architecture reflects the essence of leading flagship retail and iconic locations from around the globe, and perfectly showcases the premium customer experience on offer at Chadstone,” said Angus McNaughton, CEO and managing director of Vicinity Centres.
“From London to Germany, then the Czech Republic to Australia, the impressive gridshell design and development displays the collaboration of some of the best architects and engineers from around the world,” McNaughton said.
Meticulously planned and executed both locally and abroad, the gridshell roof is intricate, with 2700 quadrilateral, square and rectangular unique glass panels of variable size, collectively weighing more than 500 tonnes, which have been mapped and placed to complete the roof structure.
Each panel of glass was manufactured and coated in Germany, then installed independently, with each panel taking approximately 15 minutes to be guided in place by hand. The complexity of the structure was high, with more than 2000 tonnes of scaffolding erected where the gridshell was built.
Inspired by design consultancy, CallisonRTKL, McNaughton stated the design with the striking shades of blue flowing above adds to the premium customer experience of Chadstone. Initially designed by British structural engineering company Atelier One, a new 3D modelling software was developed specifically for the gridshell project in order to bring it to life.
Chadstone is co-owned by Vicinity Centres and the Gandel Group.
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