Sponsored by WICONA

The Gramophone Works is a forward thinking new commercial office building which promotes the reuse of the existing fabric, and successfully marries it to new, sustainable building technologies. This narrative is carefully unveiled through the architecture, referencing and exposing both the rich industrial heritage of the original building, and its cultural significance, whilst provocatively using materials for the extension which suggest how new construction and workplace design can be better for the users and the environment on the whole.

The original two storey building has been extended outwards and upwards making much more efficient use of the under-utilised site. Referencing Canal Side architecture of the past, an impressive 6 storey lightweight glass and CLT/Glulam structure will interlace the solid brick base complete with punched hole glazed openings. 

The solar shaded curtain walling uses passive technologies to prevent overheating, whilst allowing the maximum amount of natural light to percolate into the floorpan; but also provides a direct visual connection to the local context, and its constantly evolving history. Generous terraces with planting give over a generous amount of outdoor amenity to users, and opening doors provide natural cross ventilation, reducing energy consumption. 

The original brick lift towers have been utilised and extended - reformed as blue glazed lanterns - marking the site on the local skyline and subtly indicating a positive transformation. 

Upon its completion in September 2021, The Gramophone Works will be the largest CLT and Glulam Office building in Europe.

The use of an off-site manufactured structural timber frame enabled a more condensed construction program, reduced the number of heavy goods deliveries and the need for site storage. The CLT and Glulam have over 1000 tonnes of embedded CO2 and are sourced from sustainable forests. By inheriting and adopting existing structural elements, the proposal avoids waste, construction traffic and activity; significantly reducing its embodied carbon footprint. High quality end of journey facilities and cycle storage are provided in the basement to encourage sustainable modes of transport.

Benjamin Prosky