As part of Railtrack's £1M regeneration of Ayr railway station, hundreds of Multi-Link-Panels from Twinfix were installed to replace failed overhead glass and GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer) glazing. Contracted architects, the Miller Partnership, specified this unique modular glazing panel system as part of an overall refurbishment contract, improving the appearance of this town centre railway station.

The patented 'fix and link' feature of each Multi-Link-Panel ensured that Gray and Dick Ltd fitted the panels quickly and simply. Installation can take at least half the time of more traditional glazing systems. The reduced shutdown period offered a significant reduction in station disruption time.

The interlocking panels are glazed with 16mm triplewall polycarbonate glazing. The clear 16mm Makrolon SDP glazing permits an excellent level of light transmission onto the platforms and waiting areas below, thus reducing energy bills. Its long-term performance suggests a life span of at least twenty years. Since the panels themselves require minimal upkeep, Railtrack will benefit from a reduction in the ongoing roofing maintenance programme.

The glazed areas include five lantern roof canopies, each incorporating hipped ends. The panels were manufactured at 600mm centres to retain the image of a traditional glass glazed roof and each one averaged 3500mm in length. Twinfix supplied a full complement of accessories including purpose-designed hip flashing and ridge capping.

Because the Makrolon SDP will not break or splinter, the dangers of falling broken glass are immediately eliminated. The panels will withstand any building movement caused by train vibration. Any brake dust and diesel fumes should have no adverse affects on the glazing material.

Twinfix make Multi-Link-Panels to individual specifications for each project. They are ideal for new-build and refurbishment jobs alike, particularly in applications such as this, where a long-term alternative to glass is required.