Reid Architects
Projects
Boxworks
Property Alliance Group commissioned the project to provide a new headquarters for their own use in Trafford Park, Manchester. The project scope is for the refurbishment of an existing building on the site which originally formed the ancillary accommodation of a large commercial bakery.
The brief is to provide grade A office space in a building of high quality to reflect the company’s image.
Accommodation includes the provision of a gymnasium, sauna, steam room and exercise pool together with dining facilities and break out and relaxation areas.
The degree of demolition has grown as structural investigation has progressed to the point where most of the external skin is removed leaving only the concrete frame. The re-cladding exercise is then able to benefit from the resulting larger structural openings in the new composition.
The exterior is render and grey tint curtain walling to create a simple design with clean lines. This effect is also assisted by the installation of stand alone steel and timber brise-soleil.
The building’s original core, which is uninspiring, is being removed completely and replaced with a lightweight glass structure to create an impressive triple-height entrance atrium. From this space the building circulates to a new top floor extension which accommodates further office space and the building’s main board room. Through the considerable use of glass, this lightweight extension creates a contemporary addition that floats elegantly over the solid mass of the existing building.