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Glasgow 2026
Sports Architecture In Action

The Games return.
The architecture performs.
The Commonwealth united under Kalzip roofs. ​

As athletes, spectators and nations come together in Glasgow, some of the city’s most distinctive sporting venues return to the international stage.

The Hydro, the SEC Armadillo and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome & Arena each demonstrate how ambitious architectural ideas can be transformed into durable, technically resolved building envelopes.

Explore the venues

Built for a defining moment.

Designed to perform for decades.

Major sporting events create extraordinary architectural moments. But the true value of a venue becomes visible long after the final competition has ended. Sports buildings must accommodate changing programmes, demanding performance requirements and thousands of visitors. At the same time, they must remain recognisable, adaptable and relevant parts of their cities.

Glasgow’s Commonwealth venues demonstrate what happens when expressive architecture is combined with technically proven roof systems. This is not architecture for a single event. It is architecture that continues to perform.

Three Glasgow landmarks beneath Kalzip roofs

The Hydro

Iconic geometry, resolved as a buildable roof. Designed by Foster + Partners, its distinctive form is completed by a conical Kalzip standing-seam roof.

ARCHITECT
Foster + Partners
APPLICATION

Kalzip roof system

Geometry

Conical

Material

Aluminium

EXPLORE THE HYDRO

SEC Armadillo

Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage, formed in aluminium. Curved and articulated Kalzip aluminium sheets translate this architectural idea.
ARCHITECT
Foster + Partners
APPLICATION

Kalzip roof system

Geometry
Convex curved and articulated
Material

Aluminium

DISCOVER SEC ARMADILLO

Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome

Arena-scale performance beneath one roof. The extensive aluminium roof incorporates long-span Kalzip sheets together with an acoustic roof build-up.
ARCHITECT
3DReid
APPLICATION
Acoustic standing-seam roof
Key requirements
Acoustics, thermal performance, large-scale roof geometry
Material

Aluminium

EXPLORE THE VELODROME ROOF

A Commonwealth Games legacy

Kalzip roof and façade systems have contributed to major Commonwealth Games venues across the United Kingdom.

MANCHESTER 2002

CITY OF MANCHESTER STADIUM
Originally created for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, demonstrating how a major sporting venue can evolve far beyond its original event programme.

Glasgow 2014 & 2026

Architecture ready to perform again
The Hydro, SEC campus and Velodrome return. Their continued use demonstrates the value of designing major venues as long-term urban infrastructure.

Birmingham 2022

Alexander Stadium
For the redevelopment of Alexander Stadium, Kalzip façade panels were specified around the perimeter of the stadium roof.

From the first sketch to the final seam

Sports architecture places exceptional demands on the building envelope. Kalzip supports architects and project teams throughout this process.

Freedom of form
Curved, tapered and project-specific profiles provide architects with greater freedom when developing distinctive roof and façade geometries.
Technical coordination
Support with system selection, detailing, interfaces and specification development helps turn the initial design concept into a coordinated solution.  
Efficient construction
Lightweight aluminium systems and project-specific production strategies support the efficient delivery of large roof areas.
Long-term performance
Durable and low-maintenance aluminium envelopes are designed for the demanding requirements of stadiums, arenas and public buildings.  

Bring us the geometry.

Start a project conversation

Whether you are designing a new stadium, transforming an existing arena or developing a multifunctional sports venue, involve Kalzip early.

Share your architectural concept and tell us where you need technical certainty. Our specialists can support your team.

  • Roof and façade geometry
  • Construction build-ups
  • Acoustic requirements
  • Thermal-performance targets
 

Architecture for the moment.

Performance for what comes next.

Kalzip roof and façade systems for stadiums, arenas and architectural landmarks.