Physical security business, CLD Systems has revealed the role it played in the completion of the Britannia Rooftop MUGA (Multi-Use Games Arena) project.

The Britannia Leisure Centre, located in Hackney, North London, is a community-focused project spearheaded by Morgan Sindall, a group of specialist businesses delivering construction and regeneration across the UK for the public, commercial and regulated sectors.

Fencing and netting from CLD Systems

The initiative presented an array of complex construction challenges, including the creation of two full-sized five-a-side football pitches and two full-sized tennis courts on the roof, requiring fencing and netting reaching a height of eight metres.

Having transitioned from a product supplier to a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of physical security solutions, CLD Systems has solidified its position as a manufacturer and supplier of rigid mesh fencing and security gates.

Rooftop installation

Leveraging its experience in rooftop installations, Perimeter Solutions, one of CLD’s Approved Installer Partners, collaborated with CLD Systems to develop viable and buildable solutions through months of sketching, modelling, online meetings, site visits, and engineering calculations.

Installing the roof net posed a major challenge as it required the implementation of controlled failure during extreme conditions to protect the building from damage.

Installation challenges

Addressing the unique challenge of the roof net, Perimeter Solutions engaged a team of engineers to develop mathematical models that considered factors such as net weight, wind loading, snow loading, ball strikes, and extreme wind events.

A comprehensive system was implemented, using 16mm stainless steel wires tensioned with 1m turnbuckles and supported by a bespoke ‘rocker’ system aptly named the ‘Hammerheads.’ In the event of extreme loading, the netting was designed to detach from the wires, safeguarding the building structure.

Despite adverse weather conditions and a nine-month timeline, the installers from Perimeter Solutions completed the project on time.

The Britannia Rooftop MUGA has since appeared in many TV appearances, including interviews with the lionesses after they won the Euros in 2022, and adverts for Sky Bet and Nike.

A milestone project

The completion of the Britannia Rooftop MUGA project marks a significant milestone for CLD Systems and Perimeter Solutions. A spokesperson for the companies said the project highlights their “ability to overcome complex design and installation challenges, pushing the boundaries of physical security solutions.”

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