Favorite

Aerial view of the completed station with its distinctive curved roof centered within landscaped pathways and surrounding campus buildings.

Curved Metal Framing System Sets the Roof Geometry at York University Station

Radius Track developed and delivered a simple kit of Parts cold-formed steel framing solution for this doubly curving compound roof. The 1,140 m² roof system included color coded and labeled curved Parts for improved sequencing and installation, a geometry control system for precise roof curvature, and connection assemblies designed for straightforward field construction.

Client

Exterior Technologies Group / Bothwell-Accurate

Location

Toronto, ON, CAN

Value

Simplified

Type

Civic

Features

Roofs

Freeform

Assembly

Panels

Sticks

Overview

Radius Track developed and delivered a simple kit of Parts cold-formed steel framing solution for this doubly curving compound roof. The 1,140 m² roof system included:

Color coded and labeled curved Parts for improved sequencing and installation
Geometry control system for precise roof curvature
Connection assemblies designed for straightforward field construction

Problem & Approach

The challenge was to provide curved framing members, assemblies, and connections that defined the roof geometry per the architect's approved surface model. The solution needed to be simple to construct using a color coded and labeled kit of Parts.

Design criteria included rationalizing the form and surface for constructible solutions. The system had to provide enough depth to integrate continuous insulation and a vented cavity above a 2-ply modified bituminous membrane. Digital coordination of as-built structural deck, cold-formed steel framing, and roof assembly layers was essential.

Radius Track collaborated with the team to develop fabrication and delivery of framing elements with installation instructions per the project's preferred sequencing.

“We did not have to worry about the geometry and setting out points. Radius Track provided a very clear layout system that we used to set everything from the curved hat-channel to clip angles, site assembled curved framing units and finally the standing seam metal roof. It all fit and was quite amazing.”
– Trevor McGrath, Estimating Manager, Bothwell-Accurate (Roofing Contractor)

Solution & Results

Radius Track rationalized the architect's compound roof curvature into a constructible system. The team developed and delivered a geometrically precise two-way cold-formed steel framing system utilizing an extensive, easy to understand color coded clip system to improve installation speed and accuracy.

Key technical achievements included:

Divided framing between stick-built and unitized layers to streamline installation
Provided physical mockup section for subcontractor to pre-build and tune the installation process
Delivered robust 3D model for approvals and contractor coordination
Provided 3D layout points and procedures for subcontractor implementation
Performed digital coordination with metal roof panel manufacturer to ensure alignment

The prefabricated kit of Parts approach gave the subcontractor confidence in both geometry control and installation sequencing throughout the complex roof assembly.

‍