Updated images have been released of what the Amersham vent shaft headhouse will look like once HS2 in the town is complete.
The design is one of five structures that will provide ventilation and emergency access to the high-speed rail line’s 10-mile-long Chiltern tunnel.
Set in the middle of a road junction just outside the town, the new designs will see the height of the circular single-storey building reduced by more than two metres and the ‘crown’ of steel fins replaced with perforated pre-patinated zinc panels to help match the natural tones of the surrounding landscape.
Building on feedback and advice from Buckinghamshire Council, the new design will also see the steel boundary wall get replaced by a more traditional stone wall made of flint.
Kay Hughes, HS2 Ltd’s Design Director said: “The Amersham headhouse is one of the few parts of the Chiltern tunnel visible above ground so it’s important that we get the design right.
“LDA Landscape Architects and Grimshaw Architects have risen to the challenge with an exemplary design with local character.
“The curved form of the head house is sensitively nestled into the landscape of a local traffic island by the designers.
“This and the combination of natural and traditional materials provides a contextual relationship with the area’s longstanding architectural traditions and setting.”
Below ground level, the 38 metre deep Amersham ventilation shaft will reach down to the twin tunnels below, with fans and other equipment designed to regulate air quality and temperature, remove smoke in the event of a fire and provide access for emergency services.
Once construction is complete, new tree planting will be added to frame views of the headhouse and areas will be set aside for chalk grassland to help create valuable new wildlife habitats.
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The new planting will focus on native species typically found across the Chilterns, such as wild cherry, buckthorn and crab apple.
Alan Price, Align Technical Director said: “We are delighted to be revealing the updated designs for the Amersham vent shaft headhouse.
“It has been essential for our designers to listen to the local stakeholders to understand what is important to them, and to update the design accordingly.
"We believe the jointly developed new design sits more comfortably within its surroundings and pays homage to the traditional local architecture.”
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