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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Two St Peter’s Square in Manchester, England by SimpsonHaugh and PartnersMarch 7th, 2015 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: SimpsonHaugh and Partners Laing O’Rourke has been appointed to deliver Two St Peter’s Square, a new landmark office building designed by SimpsonHaugh and Partners. Located in Manchester City centre, this 12-storey project is the latest addition to the regeneration of the city’s Civic Quarter. Clearance of the site started in November last year and completion is due in January 2017.  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners
 Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners The exterior of the building will include a signature-pattern that references the city’s industrial and civic heritage. A grid of four independent designs, inspired by regional heritage and civic icons such as the Lancashire Rose and the cotton flower, are mirrored and rotated on two façades to create a free-flowing motif that spans these elevations. The pattern also directly relates to the staircase in the Manchester Town Hall Extension, a project recently renovated by SimpsonHaugh and Partners, which is located opposite. The façade build-up comprises a double layer that allows light to permeate through the patterned exterior to glass behind. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up views of the square, while the patterning provides shading to the offices within.  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners The service cores of the building are located to the rear of the floorplan to create large open-plan offices of 18 metres clear span. The glazed façade maximises natural light infiltration whilst the column-free environment enables a highly adaptable workspace. Reconstituted Portland Stone is used externally in reference to many of Manchester’s historical buildings including the Central Library, which sits close by. Inside the building, rich natural materials such as stone, hard wood and bronze create a feeling of warmth. The arrival sequence facilitates movement from the large-scale square, through a sheltered colonnade, into a calming reception area.  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners The height of the building has been carefully considered in relation to other recently completed projects in the area. Sitting slightly lower than its immediate neighbour, One St Peter’s Square, Two St Peter’s Square mediates the change in height and scale between the existing listed buildings and the new developments in the square. In addition, it reinforces the context of the site as a major public square, which is also set to become an important hub for the city’s transport network with the creation of the second Metrolink City Crossing and associated interchange. Two St Peter’s Square demonstrates the ambition of the client, Mosley Street Ventures Limited, to create a lasting legacy for an important site with a carefully considered project that acknowledges both the area’s past and its exciting future.  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners SimpsonHaugh and Partners While the success of its completed work and a growing reputation for design integrity has allowed the practice to expand, Rachel and Ian remain personally involved in each project. Consequently, the inspiration in design and the attention to detail in construction that have stimulated the achievements of the practice so far will continue to guide the ambition and quality of its schemes in the future.  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners  Image Courtesy © SimpsonHaugh and Partners
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Tags: England, Manchester Categories: Office Building, public spaces |
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