Olympic Park

The design of the Velodrome incorporates natural ventilation and light, entirely removing the need of air- conditioning (not that this British summer needs air-conditioning) and limiting energy needs for lighting. The unmistakable eliptical roof collects and uses rainwater – apparently reducing mains water usage by 70%. The most striking feature is the use of a cable-net roof design – ‘strung’ with steel cables like a tennis racket – meaning conventional steel beams were not required. It had the added bonus of saving 20 weeks in construction time. The wood used to clad the building and the track is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council - guaranteeing that the trees harvested are replaced or regenerated naturally. -

he venue’s frame is made up of 1,000 tonnes of steel and is covered in 20,000 square meters of a recyclable white PVC fabric. The covering will also function as a canvas for lighting displays during the games. Legacy: Once the arena has been taken down, various parts can be relocated and reused.

The Centre’s ceiling is made up of 30,000 sections of sustainably sourced Red Lauro timber, while the wave-shaped roof includes a robust aluminium covering – half of which is recycled. The temporary seating either side of the centre roof is made from steel and phthalate-free (the chemical which gives plastic it rigidity) PVC wrap. Low-flow showers and hand basin taps, and low-flush toilets will help the building save 29% on water over its 25-year lifespan. Another 3% could be saved through recycling filtered backwash water for toilets an

The Copper Box is likely one of the most efficient buildings in the Olympic Park. It will be used for various exciting court-worthy events (handball or badminton, anyone?). Why is it named the Copper Box? The boxy building has 3,000 square meters of copper (mostly recycled) on its exterior faces, giving it a nice bronze sheen. In terms of sustainability and energy efficient design, the Copper Box has 88 pipes that bring in natural daylight, saving an annual 40 percent on lighting costs. Also, much like the Velodrome, the roof collects rainwater for the use of waste management (toilets), which will cut water costs by 40 percent per year.