Enabling Design Intent
The project targeted BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ environmental accreditation with strategies such as chilled beams, locally-sourced and recycled materials, and an efficient envelope.
Mechanical systems have been carefully integrated to create a highly flexible interior which can anticipate and respond to changing technologies.
Adam Newburn, partner at Foster + Partners, said: “The Novastruct system was proposed by the façade contractor, Dudley’s Aluminium. We looked at the product closely and found that it met the performance requirements of the design.”
The glazed elements are fundamental to Foster’s design which was to have large-format curtain glazing so the Novastruct products were instrumental in allowing that to happen.
They met the aesthetic and performance intent of the design, enabling the design intent to shine through and integrating seamlessly with the rest of the façade.
Located opposite Cardiff Central railway station, the project is situated on the site of the former bus station. Works on Plots 1, 2, 3 and 6 have completed, or are near completion, and works on Plot 4 are to start soon, and this will create a dynamic area known as Central Square.
The innovative spirit of the project was defined by the BBC’s vision to be the most creative organisation in the world, its commitment to create genuine public engagement and the idea to create an open and attractive workplace.
Broadcasting studios usually require a controlled environment for operations, yet the building manages to achieve the contrasting aims of the project to open up to the public as well as be a world-class broadcasting hub for BBC Cymru.
RICS judges said the project created a dynamic principal building for the Central Square redevelopment and that the team behind it had created a “spectacular” commercial, pre-let building.
