[Translate to Englisch:] Macallan Whisky Destillerie

[Translate to Englisch:] Macallan Whisky Destillerie Innenansicht

Scotland

Macallan Whisky Distillery

A highly complex roof structure – inspired by the rolling green hills of Scotland. The wooden dome roof of the new Macallan whisky distillery is true engineering art.

WIEHAG is responsible for construction, timber engineering, production, logistics and assembly of the entire roof area of 12,300 square metres. Take a look with us at the challenges and milestones involved in the project.

Task

The fusion of building and landscape

A green domed roof structure that blends harmoniously into the hilly countryside of Scotland: The design for the distillery of renowned whisky producer "The Macallan" is unique.

The centrepiece is the timber roof construction in the form of five side-by-side domes with an overhanging canopy. The four domes of equal height house the production facility. The fifth, higher dome houses an exhibition area with a flat roof and visitor centre.

[Translate to Englisch:] Das Kuppeldach der Macallan Whisky Destillerie

Implementation

A highly complex timber dome roof

Not only architecturally is the distillery a masterpiece. Planning and assembly of the structure also called for courage, know-how and the problem-solving expertise of an experienced timber construction company.

The building consists of 1,800 individual beams, 2,700 roof panels and 380,000 individual components. The dome roof is 207 metres long and 27 metres high at its highest point. Four temporary building supports were required for the roof structure. These were constructed using a block-bonded glued laminated timber solution.

Best practice

“We have been working in the UK for over 20 years and have managed to implement many innovative projects. Macallan is the most intricate timber roof structure we have ever built."

— Erich Wiesner, proprietor & CEO of WIEHAG

Success factors

Challenges and solutions

macallan-destillerie-parametrische-designt

Parametric design

In order to implement the complex geometry, it was transferred into a geometric model, including element properties.

Each component a precisely designed one-off

With a total length of 207 metres, there was no leeway for tolerances in the components. Precision and close collaboration between planning and production were crucial.

100 different detail connections

In order to comply with the architects' specifications, the beams had to be chamfered in many different places. A new portal woodworking machine was even purchased for this purpose.

Challenges in the structural analysis

The specified beam dimensions could not meet the static requirements. Hollow steel box sections clad with Kerto solved the problem.

Architecture of the future: With the Macallan Distillery, WIEHAG has succeeded in creating an engineering masterpiece.

Performance assessment

Top grades for the WIEHAG team

The general contractor is also convinced of the success of the project. Bill Robertson, owner of the Robertson Group in his assessment of the work: "The construction called not only for a good cooperation, but also a high degree of innovation and know-how that seemed to come naturally with WIEHAG. We are already looking forward to the next joint projects."

[Translate to Englisch:] macallan-destillerie

Project profile

Client: Edrington Group
General contractor: Robertson Construction Group
Engineering: Arup Timber roof construction and engineering
Architecture: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Steel substructure: SHS Stahlverarbeitung GmbH
Total construction cost: 140,000,000 British pounds
WIEHAG construction period: April to December 2016
Overall construction period: April 2015 to May 2018

Awards

Commendations for the Macallan Distillery

Winner of the Structural Timber Award 2018: Engineer of the Year Award (ARUP) & Installer of the Year Award (L&S Baucon GmbH)
Winner of the Structural Timber Award 2018: Winner of Winners Award (Arup, L&S Baucon GmbH, Robertson, Wiehag GmbH & Rogers Stirk Harbours + Partners)
Winner des Scottish Design Award 2018: Culture and Leisure Award
Winner of the UK Roofing Award 2017: Green Roof Award