Turner Contemporary Gallery
Situated on Margate seafront, in Kent, this signature new build art gallery was designed in memory of and inspired by the English painter, JMW Turner. Now featured on the £20 bank note, alongside other elements associated with the artist, the finished building is internationally renowned.
Kent County Council
Architect
David Chipperfield Architects
Contractor
R Durtnell & Sons
With a challenging building specification designed to withstand the forces of nature dictated by it’s very positioning, the internal glazing requirements were equally challenging in their own way. With spectacular views of the sea and the building being significantly naturally lit, the internal material palette and attention to detail was key as would be required to withstand a high level of scrutiny.
Our brief was to design and supply the access strategy through the building with a series of large doorsets and internal glazing that would facilitate large works of art being moved around and positioned.
Due to the required opening sizes within the building, a steel framing system was adopted and developed to suit the high usage environment. Designed into an RC frame with exposed internal finishes at points, the attention to detail in choosing sightlines that were fitting yet worked with the building control strategy was key. This was successfully achieved with both the intent being maintained and the function workable.
The new two-storey building is composed of six identical crystalline volumes with monopitched roofs providing north light to the gallery spaces and revealing daily and seasonal light changes.
The ground-floor spaces include a reception area, a flexible event space and a cafeteria and the public gallery, presents both historic and contemporary works as well as a programme of educational and cultural events with a broad community appeal.
The impressive finished project was shortlisted for the 2012 RIBA Stirling Prize Award, and was visited by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge on 11th March 2015.
