South Ruislip Headhouse

The South Ruislip Headhouse is between Ruislip Gardens and South Ruislip underground stations, close to Cineworld on Victoria Road in Hillingdon. The site is bounded to the south by the Chiltern line railway.

Headhouse design

A ventilation shaft or vent shaft, is the vertical opening that connects the HS2 tunnels, 35 metres below the surface, to the open air. It regulates air quality and temperature in the tunnel and allows smoke to be extracted in the event of a fire. The headhouse is the building on top of the ventilation shaft which contains fire control systems and the ventilation systems for the railway tunnels below.

The ventilation shaft at South Ruislip is located on the Chiltern line embankment, fading the boundaries between the building and its surroundings to integrate the architecture and landscape. It is embedded into the green corridor; the network of new wildlife habitats, woodlands and community spaces, helping to leave a lasting legacy along the route.

Landscaping design will include a green roof and a mix of vegetation, which will make it easier for the structure to blend in with the natural environment.