Proposed as the original second phase of the Viadux development, a major regeneration project to redevelop an entire city block in central Manchester, providing significant public realm enhancements through the reactivation and repair of the surrounding streetscape.
The complex, multi-layered site presented significant design challenges, which have been embraced in the architectural response. The proposed building is raised above the historic Grade II listed viaduct and Manchester Central Convention Centre Service Yard, the operation of which needs to remain unaffected during the construction. The building also bridges over the arterial Metrolink line to South Manchester, which bisects the site, requiring the existing tram bridge to be encapsulated to protect the office from noise pollution, fire, derailment and to create a safe zone for construction and maintenance of the building and Metrolink lines.
The building has been designed to meet the latest BCO standards for offices and to promote occupant wellbeing, with biophilic design principles at its core. The efficient column-free office floor plates allow for an abundance of natural daylight and are adaptable to meet the tenant’s specific requirements. Each office floorplate has access to landscaped ‘green rooms’. These amenity spaces include single height and double height volumes which interlock vertically, creating an active focal point to the façade and provide occupants with a connection to nature. The double height spaces have been designed as naturally ventilated wintergardens with a glass louvred façade. The positioning of the green rooms to the Southeast elevation was carefully considered to assist with passive solar control for the office floorplates and to ensure the optimum environments for temperate plant species.
The building envelope was modelled and tested within its context to understand the impact of solar radiation and to inform the solar control coating and density of fritting to provide shading. This informed the percentage of ceramic fritting applied to the glazing, controlling the levels of shading and the subsequent reduction in heat gain. Rather than remaining constant, the level of opacity varies between each face to respond to orientation; the south elevation employs 66% fritted panels, the east & west 33% and the north remains clear. This passive façade design measure reduces overheating, cooling costs and saves heating energy.
The use of high-quality materials and finishes are planned for the interiors of the triple height entrance pavilion which is planted with mature trees. The sides of the concrete Metrolink encapsulation tunnel are a significant part of the of the entrance experience and will feature a unique relief mural, referencing the cast iron filigree of the neighbouring Central Station. The ground floor also contains a publicly accessible coffee shop, as well as a 100-cover restaurant within the impressive, vaulted viaduct, providing much needed activation to the former dead frontage of Great Bridgewater Street.