Barts Square, Phase 3
A true example of successful urban regeneration, Barts Square occupies a 3.2 acre site which was sensitively reimagined to revitalise the historic and charming quarter of the City, in West Smithfield. The residential block, Phase 3 of the redevelopment, has it’s own character and distinctive façade and was one of the final areas to be completed in this mixed use redevelopment.
Helical
Architect
Sheppard Robson
Contractor
McLaren
Quantity Surveyor
Arcadis
With the clear intent to create a ‘discrete luxe’ we were employed directly by Helical, to work up a façade strategy that optimised the design of the building envelope.
Retaining all pre-war architecture, the new build elements were sensitively designed and material inspiration was taken from the surrounding area.
The concrete frame building was designed by Sheppard Robson with a brick clad façade and inset glazing modules to most of the façade, with curtain walling and architectural cladding at the higher levels.
The drive for early appointment was to take the architectural intent and work up an off-site process so that as many of the windows as possible could be installed in the pre-cast concrete factory, an approach that Colorminium has adopted several times.
Programme and methodology were vital to the whole approach and were the major drivers throughout the design process. With a novation agreement in place, we made the transition to the successful contractor for the actual build with most of the design complete.
At high level, the building sets back over 2 levels creating terrace zones. A steel frame and a stickwork curtain wall system was utilised and fitted on site across these 2 levels – with the terrace providing the zone for doing this. Large bespoke feature fins provide expression to the curtain walling on the link bridge above the roadway to the back of the site, and pure bronze cladding was used to cloak the mansard and frame the glazing on the top level, giving a stunning finish at the crown of the building.
Working directly with Helical enabled both the clients vision to be met but also gave them opportunity to maximise their return on investment through that early collaboration.
