The last century can have produced few more iconic designs than that of the £97 million ‘Titanic Belfast’ building. Opening in early 2012 to coincide with the centenary of the vessel’s maiden voyage, the stunning piece of architecture has a VMZINC PLUS® compact standing seam roof in QUARTZ-ZINC®. The three thousand faceted plates which form the angular building’s rainscreen system may take the eye but it is the zinc roof which will form the first view for thousands of tourists whose flights into the city will pass directly over the building. The VMZINC PLUS® system was specified by Civic Arts / Eric R. Kuhne & Associates and delivered in collaboration with Todd Architects Belfast. It was mechanically fixed and required no ventilation through use of VMZINC’s specially developed underside coating.
The centre is situated adjacent to the slipway from which Titanic was launched in 1911 and has been attracting visitors months before the official opening next April. It forms the focal point of the Titanic Quarter regeneration which, at 75 acres, is Europe’s biggest waterfront development. With funding provided by Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Titanic Quarter Limited and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & investment, 400,000 visitors are expected each year.
Over 12,000m2 of floor space has been provided across 5 levels, to a height equivalent to a 10-storey building. At such a size, Titanic Belfast was always destined to attract a high profile and make a lasting, local impact. At long last, the ship’s construction is rightly being seen as worthy of local pride. The pre-weathered zinc roof will continue to patinate naturally, retaining an ‘as installed’ appearance without maintenance for years to come. With a typical lifespan of 100 years or more, it will certainly play its part as the centre moves towards Titanic’s bi-centenary.