In Manchester’s bustling city centre, the Tower of Light and the Wall of Energy stand as beacons of sustainable architecture and energy innovation. Barnshaws, leveraging its unparalleled expertise in cold metal bending, played a pivotal role in the construction of the Tower of Light.
Representing the pinnacle of modern design and engineering, these structures epitomize Manchester’s steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility and its ambitious target of becoming a zero-carbon city by 2038. The Tower of Light and Wall of Energy not only exemplify cutting-edge technology but also serve as iconic landmarks, showcasing the city’s dedication to sustainable practices and its vision for a greener future.
With the largest cold metal bending capacity globally, Barnshaws was uniquely positioned to fulfill the project’s requirements entirely in-house. Precision pressed steel sections, including 24 hexagonal panels measuring 4000mm in length and approximately 3mm in thickness, were expertly crafted by Barnshaws’ skilled engineers. This precision engineering ensured the structural integrity and quality of the Tower of Light, showcasing the capabilities of Barnshaws in delivering complex and finesse projects with utmost efficiency and reliability.
Adjacent to the Tower of Light, the Wall of Energy stands as a dynamic structure spanning 63 meters along a street façade. Comprising glazed ceramic tiles arranged in a tessellated interlocking pattern, the wall reflects light and movement, symbolizing the natural energy patterns of the earth. With 31 different tile types across 1373 tiles, the Wall of Energy not only serves as a functional enclosure but also as an artistic expression of sustainability, captivating pedestrians and commuters with its vibrant appearance and integrated lighting system.
By harnessing energy-efficient technologies such as a 3.3MWe CHP engine and two 12MW gas boilers, the energy center supplies low-carbon energy across a 2 km network. This infrastructure significantly reduces carbon emissions, aligning with Manchester’s goal of achieving zero carbon by 2038. Moreover, the Tower of Light’s innovative lighting system, powered by polished reflectors and LED lights, minimizes energy consumption and adds a dynamic visual element to the cityscape, further reinforcing Manchester’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
