INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS: WINNER
BMW, Waterfall
The new offices and warehouse for BMW is situated in
the Waterfall commercial district, LP8. Running along the
M39 and close to the K101 and M1, the building is ideally
positioned. The distribution storage consists of 30,700m 2
of warehouse space split into multiple departments –
picking, storage and general distribution. The total
development equates to 32,000m 2 .The topography of the
site allows the building to have optimal northern exposure
for commercial use towards Allendale road. The location
of the building itself on the erf allows for maximum floor
space use with the potential to develop a further 7,000m².
The building form prescribed was influenced by the strict
fire height requirements set out by the client. Therefore
the massing of the structure was interpreted through the
use of various monolithic architectural elements masking
the conventional visual proof of roof pitches and gutters.
Fragmentation of the regular geometric form was
important in the massing of the structure and regular
gridded planning extrapolated into usable space was
ultimately expressed in the developments massing. The
simple modern form, topped with a combination of flat
false copings and low pitched roofs, pays homage to
the LP8 industrial estate design criteria. A combination
of two and three monolithic architectural elements
grounded on a regular base sets a precedent to the
overall three dimensional form, the play and juxtaposition
of the heights/colours and textures and elaborates the
desired architectural form as subtle rather than being
brutally offensive.
SAPOA Awards
The façades are the dominant face of this development,
it was imperative that a harmonious yet juxtaposed
composition was created. The utilisation of flat regularly
punched planes combined with framing devices achieved
a unique whole appearance. Flush glazing panels along
with contrasting local stone faces merged with naturally
toned flat plastered elements were played with to create
the desired aesthetic charm.
The fact that the LP8 is a gated complex helps to pull
the distribution and activity slightly off the main roads,
thus minimising the traffic and noise implications of a
commercial development within a predominantly industrial
area. As this is a distribution centre, the elevation to the
main entrance corner of the building was designed in such
a way as to break the large concrete tilt-up wlll panels of
the warehouse with flush glazed walls to the facility, thus
making it more appealing. The vertical sheeting on the
warehouse was used to cap this and complete the square
look that the client required.
Developer & Owner: Attacq
Architects & Project Managers:
Empowered Spaces Architects
Quantity Surveyors: RLB/Pentad Quantity Surveyors
Civil & Structural Engineers:
DG Consulting Engineers
Electrical & Mechanical Engineers: Plantech
Fire Consultants: WSP
Main Contractors: Abbeydale Building & Civil
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