We are delighted to have been selected as a Finalist in the Northern Design Awards 2020 Commercial Build Category. NC Architecture was tasked with master-planning and re-designing a former agricultural site within greenbelt, into a new headquarters for a nationwide developer. The concept design responds to the site’s former agricultural usage, by following the vernacular of agricultural sheds with shallow pitched roofs and rectilinear footprints. The materials: Cheshire red brick, grey standing seam zinc and Accoya timber cladding, were chosen to compliment and contrast the semi-rural setting.

Offering a palette which is representative of the spirit of the development, the soft multi-stock red brick is redolent of farmhouses and traditional Cheshire barns, whilst the timber finish helps settle the building into the rural setting. Whilst the materials and forms give a hint to the building’s rural heritage, the zinc standing seam and large expanses of glazing with minimal fenestration, leave no doubt that this is a commercial development.

Significant time was spent working with the suppliers and main contractor, to ensure that the various material finishes aligned to appear flush on the surface. Concealed gutters and downpipes were provided, to simplify the elevations. The result appears effortless, giving little clue to the detail challenges that were overcome behind the scenes.