Case Study: Arup delivers a buildable summit visitor centre at Mount Snowdon with Oasys GSA

Arup - Customer Case Study

Arup was the engineer for Hafod Eryri, the summit café and visitor centre on Mount Snowdon, a remote and extreme site exposed to winds of up to 150mph, rainfall over 5m a year, and temperatures as low as -20°C. The project also faced major logistical constraints because all materials had to be transported up the mountain by rail, and communication on site was difficult, creating a complex design and construction challenge. Oasys Software’s GSA was used to help model the structure and understand its geometry.

Oasys Software supported Arup with 3D GSA models and CAD outputs to resolve the building’s asymmetric steel frame, sloping walls, and curved layout, while also helping coordinate buildability with the contractor. The team prefabricated much of the roof and superstructure, created bespoke precast concrete troughs for the foundations, and minimized waste and site deliveries. The result was a structurally sound, highly buildable design delivered in one of the UK’s most challenging locations, with the roof completed in just four days.

Arup

Geraint Bowen

Project Manager