20m Moving Dome Unveiled at Oxford Tech Centre
Architecture · Construction methods
A 20m-diameter movable dome has been unveiled at the Ellison Institute of Technology research campus in Oxford. Featuring an 80-tonne steel exostructure designed to track the sun, the system provides dynamic shading over a glazed laminated timber dome.
A 20-metre-diameter kinetic dome structure has been revealed at the new Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) research facility in Oxford, unveiled two weeks ahead of schedule. Delivered by a team including architect Foster + Partners, main contractor Laing O’Rourke, and specialist contractor Seele, the installation combines a glazed laminated timber inner dome with an external rotating steel framework designed to track solar movement throughout the day.
Key takeaways
- The 20-metre dome at the Ellison Institute of Technology campus features an inner glazed laminated timber dome covered by an external movable steel frame.
- Driven by four motors, the 80-tonne steel framework tracks the sun via fine start-and-stop adjustments to provide dynamic shading and improve energy performance.
- The project was executed by architect Foster + Partners, contractor Laing O’Rourke, and specialist contractor Seele, completing two weeks ahead of schedule.
Source：Construction Management Read the original ↗
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