The construction of a new entrance, cycle hub and platform canopies at a popular south London train station is being hailed as the network’s first ‘Carbon Positive’ project, with arrays of integrated AluPlusSolar PV panels being installed as part of a roofing package featuring products from the Kalzip® range. The new facilities at Denmark Hill Station are now operational and the project has since been recognised as Best Roof under 1500m2 at the annual Kalzip® Awards.

A crucial redevelopment

The £7.5 million Denmark Hill project has been led by BAM Nuttall Ltd with Invvu Construction Consulting being responsible for the design and project management on behalf of Network Rail. London based roofing contractor, Gribben Solar Roofing was the specialist installer of the AluPlusSolar roofs which total 260m2 across three platform canopies, the station building and an access ramp: generating an output of 35 kWp.

Work began on site in September 2020 with the construction of a retaining wall alongside Platform 4, ready for the installation of the new canopies on Platforms 2, 3 and 4 during a Christmas possession – requiring Gribben Solar Roofing and its suppliers to complete this phase of the work in a very tight time period. All of the materials were delivered to site a week in advance of the Christmas deadline. Crucially, the redevelopment of the station facilities, and its transformation in terms of energy performance has had to fully respect the heritage status of the original Victorian structures.

Versatility and speed

The design work was carried out in close consultation with the local planning authorities and the listed building authorities. The architects had specified Kalzip® on a number of projects before and noted that the Kalzip® AluPlusSolar system stands out as the most favoured system, because it’s so lightweight, versatile in terms of output and so quick to install.

Low maintenance and whole life cost

The Kalzip® AluPlusSolar profile can be produced in the full range of RAL colours as well as a variety of forms, including concave and convex to suit a wide variety of roof structures. Also being integrated and low in weight, they therefore offer architects and engineers greater flexibility compared to conventional PV arrays while delivering similar power output. With very low future maintenance implications, this all results in a far lower whole-life cost for a development.

About Kalzip + ETG

Kalzip sells and produces aluminium roof and facade profiles for the areas of industrial construction, leisure facilities/sports facilities, transport and housing. The Kalzip Group employs 160 people worldwide and is represented in almost all regions of the world. Since October 2018, Kalzip has been a company of the Donges Group.

ETG provides comprehesive design services relating to the design and installation of premium building material systems in the construction of the building envelope. ETG provides a range of services for the companies we represent, including Direct Representation to Owners, Architects, Consultants, Distributors, and Contractors. Partnering with leading world class manufacturers, ETG will provide comprehensive consultation before and during the tender process. We support our partners by providing local technical support, specification consultants, literature and samples, value engineering custom detailing, and field review.