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Roof support work JLP01_08_060847
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Roof support work JLP01_08_060847
COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE, KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA, GREATER LONDON. Workers inserting a wedge in the timber formwork at the top of a roof support column during construction of the Commonwealth Institute exhibition hall.
Laing built the Commonwealth Institute between October 1960 and October 1962 to replace the former Imperial Institute that was to be demolished to make way for new facilities at Imperial College. The building consisted of a four-storey administrative block housing a library, restaurant, board room and conference hall and a separate two-storey b lock containing a cinema with an art gallery above, but the focus of the project was the exhibition hall with its hyperbolic paraboloid roof, the first of its kind constructed in Great Britain. The exhibition, designed by James Gardner, provided spaces where each of the Commonwealth nations could showcase their achievements and characteristics, primarily to school children as teaching aids to enliven history and geography lessons.
The shell arch of the central roof section was of reinforced concrete, cast in situ using timber formwork with rough sawn boards to provide a textured internal surface whilst the four outer " warps" were constructed using precast beams and wood wool slabs, blocks of shredded timber bound together in a cement paste and left visible from the interior. The entire roof was then clad in copper sheeting over a layer of vermiculite. It covers an area of 33, 700sqft, 183 feet square with the central section 93 feet square and ranges between 30ft high at its lowest and 80ft at the peaks
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Media ID 24320032
© Historic England Archive
1960s Construction People At Work Teamwork
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate roof support work during the construction of the Commonwealth Institute exhibition hall in Kensington, London. The skilled workers can be seen inserting a wedge into the timber formwork at the top of a roof support column, showcasing their expertise and attention to detail. Built by Laing between 1960 and 1962, this iconic building replaced the former Imperial Institute and served as a platform for each Commonwealth nation to showcase their achievements. Designed by James Gardner, the exhibition aimed to enliven history and geography lessons for school children. The highlight of this architectural marvel was its hyperbolic paraboloid roof, which was a first-of-its-kind in Great Britain. The central section featured a reinforced concrete shell arch cast using timber formwork with rough sawn boards providing an intriguing textured internal surface. Surrounding it were four outer "warps" constructed using precast beams and wood wool slabs bound together with cement paste, creating an eye-catching visual from within. Covering an impressive area of 33,700 square feet, with peaks reaching up to 80 feet high, this magnificent structure stands as a testament to both engineering prowess and artistic vision. Clad in copper sheeting over vermiculite insulation, it seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. This remarkable photograph is part of A© Historic England Archive's collection and serves as a timeless reminder of the craftsmanship involved in constructing such architectural wonders that continue to inspire generations.
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