This striking new office development ensures its business occupants benefit from well-being built in. Designed by architects TP Bennett and built by Bowmer & Kirkland for developer Landid, the Porter Building is a prime example of Gebrik’s market-leading adaptability, colour range and high-quality finish.
The Porter Building presented a range of demanding challenges for the Aquarian team but now complete, this flagship project has transformed a key development area in central Slough. Thanks to Gebrik’s impressive versatility, both the project architect’s exacting requirements and the build programme’s tight timeframe were met, with over 4,000m2 of Gebrik installed by specialist cladding company CCS Facades in 7 months. Dave How, Quantity Surveyor at CCS Facades, confirms:
“The main drivers for using Gebrik were the large choice of bricks, components and bond patterns to choose from, quicker install times than traditional brickwork, and mostly non-weather dependent installation. Gebrik was the natural choice for this project.”
The facade’s stepped design included many features, including 3 different bond patterns, which would have been difficult to replicate with conventional brickwork. The brick finish was of such major importance, Aquarian worked closely with the client Landid and architects TP Bennett to get exactly the look they were after, which included factory visits to Germany and Belgium.
David Blair, Principal Director of TP Bennett is delighted:
“The striking contemporary façade plays a key role in signalling the process of change and regeneration that is now happening in Slough. The materials where chosen to represent the best in contemporary office design, and also to reflect the history of the area, complementing the adjacent railway station and listed church.”
The huge choice of panel modules and corner components made assembly easier and Gebrik’s proven low-maintenance and durability will ensure the building continues to look stunning well into the future. “With a very demanding brief from the client and main contractor, Aquarian has provided excellent service throughout this project,” says Dave How, “their expert guidance with brick choices, numerous site visits and technical help provided at design stage has been invaluable. Local planners have also been highly impressed and we understand will be looking to recommend the use of Gebrik on future projects in the local area.”
Since its successful completion, the Porter Building has won the 2018 British Council for Offices’ (BCO) Regional Award for Innovation. It has also been accredited to the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) – a mark of its success in creating a work environment that’s good for both body and mind. “We’re really pleased to have helped design and deliver the first commercial office building in the UK to achieve WELL Building Standard certification,” says David Blair.
“Staff wellbeing and productivity are at the heart of our design concept and this huge achievement sets a precedent for future office design.”
