Eton College Sports and Aquatic Centre
CUSTOMER
Client: WIEHAG
Owner: Eton College
PROJECT
CHALLENGES
The prestigious Eton College redesigned its sports centre to provide students with top-level facilities. WIEHAG was responsible for structural design, construction, and installation using timber beams and columns – reflecting the school’s commitment to sustainability. The chlorine-laden pool environment posed no issue for the timber; stainless steel or specially coated fasteners and steel parts were used.
The brick building comprises a swimming pool, sports hall, and a connecting section with grandstand and café. Large glass façades and fixed timber slats on aluminium supports provide natural daylight and sun protection.
Structure and technology
Main structure: Glulam pendulum columns with parallel-chord glulam beams (spans: 31 m / 18 m)
Secondary structure: Cross-laminated timber elements spanning approx. 4 m
Bracing: Achieved via the roof diaphragm and concrete wall connections; forms a three-dimensional bracing system
Details: Concealed steel parts, base plates with protective cladding, connections integrated into brick cladding
ADVANTAGES
The complex geometry and multiple interfaces required highly coordinated planning. With a comprehensive 3D model in bocad, WIEHAG precisely visualised the entire timber structure – including hidden connections, assembly sequences, and transitions. This ensured smooth collaboration with architects, engineers, and contractors from design to fabrication.