Architect and Builder Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 | Page 76

the harbour (including the cruise terminal). This is
further supported by retail and public facilities at
ground level.
The street is not only an ‘urban’ idea, but also
became part of the sustainability agenda of the
building. It is naturally ventilated with high level fans
maintaining movement of air. This becomes a new
type of atrium - un-conditioned and immediately
accessible to the public.
The architects sought design themes that suited
the location of the district as part of a working
harbour; themes of fit-for-purpose, workman-like
and dockside-warehouse. Expressed materiality
and appropriate detailing were considerations
equally as important as resolving the functional
and programmatic requirements of the brief.
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This reinterpreted and extended the ideas
already explored at No 1 Silo. The roof is a
saw toothed design bringing south light into
the atrium, thereby maximising the amount
of natural light.
Materials
Materials chosen for the building consist of exposed
concrete, raw concrete block-work, unitised glass
and tile cladding, glass curtain walling, rough
cut timber panelling, exposed steel structural
members, steel framing and grillages, cobble and
flagstone paving, bold ‘warehouse signage’ and
‘street lighting’. The vast extractor fans at high level
at both street ends are consciously expressed in
keeping with the language of the design.
No 5 Silo