Metsec purlins have been used to create the external shell of the Chill Factor - the UK's longest and the world’s widest real snow indoor ski slope. Located at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, the £31 million Chill Factor development brings together the best of snow sports, extreme sports, gentle snow play and expert tuition all under one roof.

In constructing the unique and stunning design of the Chill Factor, 116 tonnes of Metsec's light gauge galvanised steel Z-section purlins and C-section rails were used to provide the framework for the external cladding, ensuring class-leading strength to weight ratios.

MetSPEC design software enabled the rapid evaluation of loadings to be calculated taking into account different cladding requirements including the innovative horizontal cladding which was designed to produce different textures to the structure.

These change according to the light, and serve to minimise the visual impact of the building. Demanding technical challenges which were successfully overcome included the low internal temperatures of the centre, which meant that the steelwork had to be correctly insulated to prevent condensation and corrosion. In addition, the slope had to be created with only one support for the upslope overhang.

Thanks to the high reuse and recycling potential of steel sections, together with Metsec's ongoing investment in sustainability, many generations to come should be able to enjoy the authentic alpine experience of the Chill Factor, with minimal environmental impact.

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