Adds activity and colour to the waterfront walkway
Northern Ireland Regional Award 2019
Grimshaw for Belfast Harbour Commissioners
Contract value: £15.2m
GIA: 11,455m2
Cost per m2: £1,328
Speculative commercial office space is rarely the stuff of awards, as there is little room for invention or complexity. Added to that mix is Belfast’s comparatively low rental values, so the jury was very impressed by the skill and enthusiasm that the architect brought to this project – assisted by the client, who understood the potential of this waterfront site. Addressing the dock edge with commercial units at the ground floor, it adds activity and colour to the waterfront walkway. The architecture expresses simplicity, legibility and efficiency, enjoying generous clear span spaces and full height glazing on all sides The architect has directed its skills to creating a handsome, well-detailed building with fine proportions. It achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, which is all the more impressive given the challenging budget rates.
Sustainability Award