Direct link
During the renovation of the University Library building in Leiden, the two distinctive roof domes and the rooflight are also being refurbished. HiCAD software forms the digital backbone of this complex renovation project from analysing the existing situation to engineering, production preparation and on-site execution. “Without the use of HiCAD, this project simply wouldn’t be feasible in this form,” stresses Mike Strik, project engineer at Kingspan Light + Air.
According to Koen Akkermans, project manager at Kingspan Light + Air, the University Library does not have listed (heritage) status, but it comes close architecturally. “The existing domes and rooflight had been suffering from leaks for a long time and no longer met today’s energy performance requirements. The client’s request was clear: a completely new, better-insulated dome that retains the original shape, updated to meet current standards, and executed in glass instead of polyester. This is a major intervention: the existing structure will be completely stripped back to the steel framework, which serves as the starting point for the new design.”
Analysing deviations
A 3D scan of the steel structure was made and further developed into a structural model. “This model was converted to IFC and imported into HiCAD,” Strik explains. This made HiCAD the central platform for Kingspan Light + Air for the further engineering of the new roof domes. In the software, the team could analyse in detail how the steel structure was built up and whether there were any major deviations between the two domes. “By studying the model in three dimensions, it became clear that both domes were effectively identical within an acceptable tolerance range. This insight was crucial for the next steps in the design.”
Optimised façade appearance
In HiCAD, the complete aluminium supporting structure with glass was then modelled over the existing steel framework. “The original shape of the domes was retained, but the façade layout was optimised with fewer transoms and a more open appearance,” says Akkermans. “In addition, the existing polyester ridge piece is being replaced with glass. Minor dimensional differences between the two domes can be accommodated in the detailing, using an intermediate construction in the adjustable brackets.”
Accommodating tolerances
According to Strik, the biggest challenge lies in the complex transitions, such as the twisted corner pieces and the glass connections at the ridge. “By modelling these details carefully in HiCAD, we’re able to align the various tolerances—among others from the glass supplier and the profile bender—in the best possible way, and thus guarantee watertightness. This was also demonstrated in advance with a mock-up. In addition, we optimised the ventilation to efficiently remove excess heat from the domes.”
Direct link
A key advantage of working with HiCAD is the direct link between engineering and production. “The final model is used to control machines for sheet-metal and profile machining. HiCAD’s extensive sheet-metal module—which includes bends, tolerances and complex geometries—proved essential for this project with its curved, double-curved and twisted profiles. With our previous software, this simply wouldn’t have been possible,” Strik emphasises. “From the model, parts lists and a bill of materials are then generated automatically and imported into the estimating tool. This quickly provides insight into quantities, time requirements and costs, after which production and execution can take over the project in a controlled manner.”
With the renovation of the roof domes and rooflight, Kingspan Light + Air demonstrates that HiCAD is far more than a drafting program. It is an integrated design tool that brings together analysis, engineering, production and execution—making it essential for delivering complex renovation projects like this. The project is currently under way and, according to the schedule, is set to be completed in April.
Want to know more? Visit our website. [CLICK HERE]
