Projects : Commercial

Great Chesterford Research Park - "The Nucleus"

This building forms an important role within the Great Chesterford Research Park.

The Client brief wanted to encourage professional and social interaction through a series of internal uses by all persons associated with The Park.

The building is located in a strategic position near the main entrance drive, and positioned overlooking the original Park Mansion and Arboretum. It is situated in a sylvan setting with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

The interior uses are many, but essentially comprise of a top lit 3 storey main entrance which acts as the "forum", a ground floor Dining Room for 200 people, a separate Lounge and Bar, a "Theatre" style Kitchen with support facilities, Park Manager, Security Office, Toilet facilities and Plant Rooms.

At first floor there are five fully fitted Conference Rooms, "Break out" Lounge area, a full Gymnasium including Spinning/Aerobics Room, Changing facilities, Sauna, Steam and Therapy Room.

The two storey building is predominantly masonry clad with fibrous cement panels and aluminium eaves and soffits, the overhanging eaves conceal the low level metal pitched roof behind. The superstructure is steel framed with concrete floors.

To encourage external use of the building, a large stressed skin canopy is attached to the Dining Room. The main entrance portico here is also a tented canopy.

The Architects also designed the interior and specified all loose furniture, fixtures and fittings.

Building Area: 2100 m2 Gross Internal.
Project Completed: May 2005.