Mobile motorhome McLaren, Formula 1
An exciting factor of Formula 1 is the fact that the races are held on different circuits worldwide. To do this, the racing teams move from one place to the next and pitch their tents up and down, figuratively speaking, of course. Instead, luxurious motorhomes are used today, which can be set up in a very short time and are in no way inferior to a massive building.
Project data
Glass statics / façade
DELTA-X GmbH, Stuttgart
Glass supplier
Schollglas Technik GmbH, Object Center, Heynitz-Lehden
On the road with a spectacular motorhome
At the race in Silverstone at the beginning of July 2007, the spectacular motorhome was presented for the first time. With dimensions of 18 by 16 metres and three storeys, the building is not only of considerable size, but the design is also characterised by high standards. The basis for the design of the Glass Palace were CI style elements, a clear, reduced design language and high-quality materials. The mobile building not only offers space for offices, conference and press rooms as well as a front cooking station, but also each pilot has his own room with shower. The atrium on the third level offers the right setting for VIP events.
Mastering logistical challenges
12 trucks are needed to transport the motorhome. A large part of it not only serves as a means of transport, but is also part of the load-bearing and façade construction. This is because mobility is required here and weight and material optimisation therefore play a very decisive role. In order to be able to realise the generous glazing of the cylindrical structure, an innovative solution was required: SCHOLLGLAS offered the right answer with its new product GEWE-composite®. DELTA-X took over the static calculation of the construction. The vehicle technicians decided to use GEWE-composite® not only because of the weight savings. The combination of the properties of glass and transparent polymer in one product was also crucial. As a result, the cold-bent glass sandwich element can be easily shaped into a cylindrical shape. The deformation of the glasses is frozen when the composite layer hardens and remains permanently stable. Another advantage of this product is the force-fit connection of profiles in the sandwich, which allows the glass module to be easily connected to the substructure.
Unobstructed view
For sun and glare protection, two sun protection layers were applied, both of which are positioned in the space between the pane to the composite material. The highlight of the façade: Part of the atrium glazing can be lowered to parapet height or moved horizontally – this ensures an unrestricted view of the entire event during events.
Formula 1 racing stands for the highest level of technology and progress – a claim that the innovative thin glass technology from SCHOLLGLAS with its versatile application possibilities meets in every respect.
