100VS

Despite its central location and its heavy traffic, the area local to Bristol Temple Meads Station, the main train station in Bristol, was until very recently architecturally unappealing and not user-friendly.

The area, locally known as Temple Gate, had seen very little significant redevelopment since it was first established at the beginning of the 19th Century however the recent redevelopment of neighbouring buildings, new modern architecture popping up in the vicinity and the area undergoing much needed public realm works, presented an opportunity for the redevelopment of 100VS to meet the new architectural and energy performing standards.

The much needed extensive urban development undergone in Temple Gate in recent years was key to the redevelopment of 100VS.

Located on the corner of Victoria street and Temple way, 100VS is the point of confluence of these streets which are not only two of the main arteries of this part of town but each speaks an architectural language of its own.

Acting as a seam between these two streetscapes meant that the newly revamped 100VS had to not only be transformed into a modern workplace with aesthetic appeal and sustainable credentials but also depict aspects characteristic of the aesthetic of two very different streets.

Bristol & Exeter Yard, and the Bristol Temple Meads Station are Grade II and Grade I listed buildings respectively that were developed during the 19th Century and they are considered cornerstones for the architectural heritage of the area, however although the townscape of Victoria street and Temple way specifically aren’t considered of historical architectural value, each has its aesthetic particularities and individual history and AWW Architects partly used this as context for their design.

The architects created a conceptual design based on the premise that since the building had three main elevations that could be viewed from different streets, these could be viewed as three separate parts, each with a unique character and an architectural language of its own and with only common subtle elements that would bring the building exterior together.

The materiality sought had to satisfy the quality and performance standards of contemporary architecture whilst being contextually sympathetic to the streetscape and the history of the area. Temple way had historically been an area known for pottery and as such, clay based materials such as brick and terracotta cladding seemed the right fit for this part of the project. Victoria street and the main entrance were designed to draw upon architectural techniques found on some of Victoria street historic buildings where changes in textures and tones are used to express an idea of hierarchy and where windows are accentuated with the use of reveals with decorative features or changes in colour.

Argeton terracotta offered a contemporary cladding solution that responded to the pottery heritage of the area. Available in different shapes and textures and also in custom made geometries, including Barro baguettes, Altivo flat tiles and bespoke scalloped profiled Tampa tiles, Argeton was able to provide a versatile and adaptable building material to suit the peculiarities sought by the design team to be used in soffits, window jambs, column casing, cladding and brisoleil.

The different tile profiles also gave a sense of dynamism. Natural light results in a different light effect across the façade.

Terracotta facade panels are one of the cladding resources of choice in the market because it is a natural and versatile material that gives architects freedom of expression whilst it gives cladding and envelope contractors the advantages of a quick and easy installation process. The Argeton system is one of the principal terracotta systems used worldwide not only because it is a natural and versatile material but also because it offers a technical and cost- effective solution for the residential, commercial and health and education sectors. Argeton is CE and UKCA marked and one of the most tested systems in the market including a BBA and an EPD.

NHBC approved and not subject to any restrictions on building height or proximity to boundaries thanks to its Euro-class A1 Fire certification, it is no surprise Argeton is one of the materials of choice not only in new builds but also for refurbishment or re-clad. Durable and fully recyclable, ISO 14025 and EN 15804 (European BREEAM equivalent) certified, sustainability is at the heart of Argeton’s values. Argeton terracotta cladding systems are available in a range off the shelf and bespoke profiles, in lengths to suit and in natural, glazes, digital print and engobed finishes.

https://tellingrainscreens.co.uk/profile-and-finishes/

Since its completion, 100VS has been awarded ‘Commercial Development’ of the Year and ‘Transformation’ of the Year at the 2023 Bristol Property Awards.