SAS International floating rafts used throughout the new Bus Interchange at Derby

SAS International System 600 rafts have been used extensively throughout the new Bus Interchange at Derby. SAS International designed and manufactured floating rafts for the main pedestrian areas of the transport hub including the ticket and information office, as well as the bus operator and driver offices.

Architects FDG Fairhursts were appointed by Derby Riverlights Ltd to design the new bus interchange which forms part of a large regeneration project in the city centre. The interchange station forms one of four new buildings developed on the site of the old bus station which includes leisure units, casino and hotels with residential and office buildings planned in the future.

Working with architects FDG, SAS International designed the metal ceiling panels so that they overlapped on three different levels and were installed to give the effect the panels were floating. Tim Bramley, Head of Interior Design at FDG comments, “This innovative ceiling installation not only answered demands for aesthetics but also provides essential acoustic control within the busy environment. The layers of aluminium panels break up sound reverberations preventing the noise traveling up into the void.”

The open and bright space creates a welcoming environment with the aluminium ceiling system providing a robust and durable finish to perform to the highest standards required for a busy public space. Once installed metal offers an inert and inherently hardwearing surface, making metal ceiling systems both hygienic and a low-maintenance option. Only a simple cleaning routine is required. The lifespan of SAS International’s metal ceilings is in excess of 25 years with only very basic maintenance.  This provides the durability and longevity that many clients are increasingly demanding.

As with steel, aluminium can continuously be recycled without any loss of value or properties. At the end of their life these products withhold a residual value and are recycled into new virgin steel or aluminium without any loss of properties; this ensures products do not end up in costly and unsustainable landfill sites.

The Architects, FDG Fairhursts designed a high quality indoor environment to meet the needs of passenger and worker requirements as well as provide the latest designs in access with induction loop controlled doors to meet safety requirements by separating pedestrians from traffic. The bus interchange has 24 bus bays designed on a saw-tooth design and 5 coach bays. During the busiest part of the day there are over 120 bus and coach departures an hour from the site. Annually the bus station is used by over 11 million passengers.

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