Office Headquarters Building
Darlington
Working with Amco Developments in this Darlington Borough Council competition, the design challenge was to create a dynamic 'landmark' headquarters building, whilst also respecting the urban grain, character and materiality of Darlington town centre and the implications of an immediately adjacent conservation area and setting of nearby Listed Buildings.
The site layout and plan configuration of the short-listed scheme was generated from an analogous reference to the tight urban blocks of the town centre which are separated by narrow wynds leading to larger areas of open space. Conceptually, five building blocks are connected by two axial routes, the angles of which are derived from distant views to the railway station tower. A private external courtyard is located at the heart of the plan, ensuring that almost all areas are both naturally lit and ventilated.
The blocks relate to their immediate site context in terms of height, mass and elevational treatment and, when linked with lighter materials, allow an assessment of solid and void to be undertaken. Together with the introduction of secondary and tertiary layers in the form of an external façade treatment and vertical solar shading fins, this careful analysis was used to develop a visually cohesive design solution.
The 4,350m2 proposal is arranged over four floors, with the main pedestrian entrance cut into the building to provide level access and a natural canopy for weather protection. Visitors arrive at the reception located at the base of an atrium overlooking the central courtyard, with access to a café, exhibition space and meeting rooms. Stairs and lifts provide access from here to the mix of open-plan and cellular office accommodation on each floor of the building. The natural gradient of the site created the opportunity to incorporate undercroft servicing, car parking, cycle storage, lockers and showers.
The scheme is underpinned by a sustainable approach to design and, as such, the flexible and adaptable floorplates are capable of meeting both current and long term needs. Careful consideration has been given to site layout, orientation, plan depths and shading to achieve a successful passive energy strategy, whilst the specification of local materials, high levels of insulation, rainwater harvesting tanks, and a water-heating solar collection system further enhance the schemes environmental credentials