The new office building at Warrington Place is characterised by its highly modelled and three dimensional façade. This composition is contained by the oversailing bronze canopy roof. The substantial glazed sections are framed by stone panels and soffits, and the large curved drum adds drama to the façade and provides a focal point at this important junction.
The building overlooks the canal and its green spaces. This is reflected in the glazed panels which included mirrored elements. By night, the coloured lighting illuminates the shallow bulkheads that interface with the glazed wall.
The entrance forecourt balances the fluid bronze design of Michael Warren with the filigree structure that supports the glazed entrance canopy and glass fin walls of the foyer. Here slab cut-outs deliver light to lower ground floor. The bronze sculpture has direct dialogue with the material of the projecting boardroom box and the oversailing roofscape.
The floor plates are shallow in depth, receiving light from all façades, the indents in the façade bringing light deeper into the plan while accentuating the relief on the elevations. Small brise soleil elements emphasise the streamlined quality of the cantilevered bay adding additional depth to the façade.
Particular care has been taken to respect adjoining parapet lines in order to anchor the building within its immediate context. The transition from predominantly glazed to primarily solid treatment is made at these important interfaces in order to accommodate string course lines, window profiles and soffit positions with adjoining buildings.
From within, the building presents panoramic views across the city and towards the coastline. The terraces overlook the canal corridor and the Georgian character of its neighbours.
The collaboration of interior architects has delivered a fresh approach to office interiors. The entrance foyer with its bridge connection, use of reclaimed materials balanced with highly visual and modern elements; include lighting and furniture presenting a contemporary and up-to-date vision of the modern office.
The floor plates contain sleek metal ceiling tiles, and bulkheads to the perimeter which conceal feature lighting. Floor to ceiling high performance glazing stretches around the external envelope.
The building accommodates a myriad of sustainable design features; these coupled with the strong contextual architecture of the scheme will secure its future for coming generations.
