Fabric Cladding for the iconic home of cricket

As part of the celebrated redevelopment of Lord’s Cricket Ground, Architen was appointed to design, engineer, fabricate and install the fabric cladding system for the new Compton and Edrich Stands. Working alongside WilkinsonEyre, ISG, and Buro Happold, we delivered over 1,300 m² of precision-engineered composite polyester membrane panels, forming the distinctive curved roof and façade that frame the upper tiers of the stands.

WilkinsonEyre set Architen the task to match the famous façade of the media centre using tensile membrane.  Creating the flat individual panels whilst curving the contour of the roof required Architens wealth of experience to achieve the aesthetic successfully, whilst also ensuring technical performance.

Each canopy was fabricated from high-performance composite coated polyester membrane engineered for exceptional strength, UV resistance and long-term durability making it perfect for London’s changeable climate.  Integrated aluminium bullnoses, gutters, flashings and copings caused some complex challenges with their double curvature but complete the elegant silhouette, concealing drainage and fixings for a clean architectural finish.

The result is a lightweight yet robust tensile fabric cladding solution that enhances spectator comfort and maintains the timeless aesthetic of the world’s most historic cricket ground.

Delivered in 2021, this project showcases Architen’s expertise in stadium tensile architecture, combining design precision, manufacturing quality and on-site craftsmanship.