Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

The Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is one of the UK's most iconic sporting venues and a celebrated example of post-war concrete architecture. Opened in 1964 as England's first purpose-built multi-sport facility with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the Grade II* listed building is renowned for its striking structural design, featuring slender inclined concrete columns, folded teak timber soffits and expansive glazed façades.

As part of the landmark restoration of this nationally significant building, BG&E was engaged to provide façade engineering services from RIBA Stages 3 to 5. Working closely with the architect and wider design team, our role included detailed façade condition surveys, repair strategies and the design of replacement external glazing to preserve the building's architectural character while improving long-term performance.

The project includes replacement of the central spine rooflights and the design of a new glazed screen separating the swimming pool from the main sports hall. The complex geometry of the existing structure required innovative engineering solutions to integrate new sloping glass fin mullions, provide safe spectator access and seamlessly connect new façade elements with the existing heritage fabric.

Balancing heritage conservation with modern performance requirements presented a unique challenge. In collaboration with the mechanical and environmental engineers, BG&E developed façade solutions that carefully considered condensation risk, thermal performance and durability while respecting the constraints of the Grade II* listed structure. The result supports the restoration of an iconic sporting landmark for future generations while preserving the distinctive architectural features that have defined the building for more than 60 years.