CC Sep-Oct 2023

CASE study
Delivering power in style
The Hydro Ness, an
architecturally striking
hydroelectric generation
project, has been delivered
using constructible BIM
software from Tekla
Featuring a striking canopy
structure, the River Ness
Hydroelectric generation project
is both a geometrically complex build
and also a key part of the local
infrastructure. With a project as
intricate as this requiring a high level of
attention to detail, Trimble's
constructible BIM software was a key
part of bringing the artistic vision to life.
Located on the banks of the River
Ness in Scotland, the Hydro Ness - as
its name suggests - is a hydroelectric
generation project, designed to
generate a clean source of energy for
the Highland Council. The structure
itself houses a 93 kW hydroelectric
power twin turbine, which will generate
an estimated 550,000 kWh every year.
To suit the location, an architecturally
striking steel canopy structure was
designed to house the generators,
with the initial design concept created
by local artist Claire Maclean, before
being developed further by Inverness
architect, Les Hutt. Working on behalf
of project developer and main
contractor, Hydro NI - Bradley &
Company JV, the canopy geometry
definition, structural design, detailing,
and fabrication model development
was completed by Hasson
Engineering Solutions.
The roof canopy design was inspired
by the shape of a diving salmon, a fish
commonly found in the River Ness. As
such, some form of texture was
needed to create the illusion of
'scales'. It was decided to achieve this
through the use of thousands of
circular perforations and polished
swirls in the 386 faceted stainless steel
cladding panels that made up the
canopy structure.
Speaking about the project, Michael
Hasson, Director at Hasson
Engineering Solutions, said: "The
Hydro Ness project had a high
architectural value, requiring an
integrated approach to the structural
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September/October 2023