Glass Centre Sunderland
RIBA competition winning proposal for this complex building typology compresses all its disparate functions within one envelope and explores the possibilities of them sitting side by side – a working factory, a series of independent workshops, for smaller scale designer glass production, gallery spaces, cafe, restaurant and other public facilities – under a walk on roof; a public space incorporating glass overlooking the River Wear.
The building was awarded Millennium Product status, by the Design Council, in recognition of its creativity and innovative environmental approach. It was one of the first buildings in the UK to use an earth tube to bring pre-cooled air into the public areas while the excess heat from the factory is recovered to heat public areas in the winter months.