15th January, 2025
VISION
Bus passengers in Cardiff had to make do without a central station for several years, until Cardiff Bus Interchange opened in the summer of 2024.
The Interchange replaces the previous 1954-built old terminus building, demolished in 2008. It was part of the masterplan for Cardiff’s Capital Square, which also included the adjacent headquarters building for BBC Cymru Wales (also featuring Kawneer solutions).
The project faced a number of setbacks over many years, including Covid. This meant that passengers had to use various bus stops located in and around the city centre.
The comfortable, welcoming and ultra-modern new facility, built by ISG Construction and delivered by Transport For Wales for the Welsh Government, features 14 bus bays plus office space, four retail spaces and 318 apartments. Transport for Wales’s strategic operations centre for South Wales is housed on a mezzanine floor. Project architects were Holder Mathias, with Mott MacDonald and BDP as design consultants.
TRANSFORMATION
Cardiff Bus Interchange features a range of Kawneer architectural aluminium glazing solutions, installed by approved specialist subcontractor Dudley’s Aluminium Ltd.
The AA®110 65mm Curtain Wall System includes the Large Movement Joint on this project. The joint is capable of accommodating up to +/- 15mm of differential vertical movement between the facade and the supporting structure. This is achieved through the design of an expansion joint for connecting vertical mullions.
Located at each slab level and therefore concealed by spandrel or glass panels, the joint uses specialised engineering foam seals which expand and contract with the movement of the structure. In conjunction with this, a unique transom profile at each floor level provides allowance for the increased movement of the spandrel infill, whilst maintaining air and weathertightness of the facade. A breather membrane is also incorporated into the design to direct any ingress into the glazing rebates to the internal drainage channels.
The project features AA®720 Open-In Windows with K-LouvreShield – a simple and aesthetic solution for providing both ventilation and fall protection.
AA®190 TB Doors were also installed by Cardiff-based Dudley’s. The AA®190 TB is an all-purpose door for use in high traffic areas and automatic entrances. Its robust construction means that it is suitable for use in heavy/severe applications. It is the only door with welded construction, supported by a Kawneer Lifetime Guarantee, offering peace of mind.
REALISATION
Following its opening in summer 2024, the design of the 2,235m2 Cardiff Bus Interchange has received very positive feedback. It is a safe, modern and accessible facility aimed at meeting the current and future needs of individuals and businesses in the city and region it serves.
Passengers are now able to sit and wait for their bus in a warm and comfortable indoor environment, with airport-style screens providing key information. Tactile flooring routes aid navigation, in addition to a braille accessibility map, toilet facilities, a changing room and fully-equipped family room.
A key component in a wider Welsh Government public transport initiative, the Interchange is positioned next to Cardiff Central Railway Station, providing a comprehensive travel gateway, integrating bus and rail services with walking and cycling ways plus taxis.
Photos: BDP/Nick Caville
For further information, please contact:
Kawneer UK Limited
Astmoor Road
Astmoor Industrial Estate
Runcorn, Cheshire
WA7 1QQ
T + 44 (0)1928 502500
E: KawneerAST@arconic.com
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