The Projects
Two very different London projects by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt have specified Crittall Windows fenestration. The Institution of Engineering and Technology will re-open its headquarters following a two-year refurbishment. Meanwhile, a group of three interconnected former industrial buildings in Southwark have been transformed into light and airy office space. In both cases, Crittall profiles were selected as the best windows to meet the designers and clients requirements.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology faces the River Thames close to Waterloo Bridge in Savoy Place. The building was originally constructed as a examination hall for the Royal College of Physicians and Royal College of Surgeons. In the late 1950s, architects Adams Holden and Pearson altered the façade and added a fourth storey and new entrance.
The Architects
Much of the work by Pringle Richards Sharratt which is now coming to fruition involved rationalizing the internal layout and refurbishing a lecture theatre but there was also an intention to revert to the former clarity of the external elevations. Here, planning consent was granted by Westminster City Council for the replacement of all the glazing and the introduction of balconies to the stone-faced wings. Crittall C2000 fixed lights were an important element in this work to re-establish the buildings dignified appearance. The Corporate 2000 is a re-design of the traditional hot rolled steel window that retains the slender styling so characteristic of that type of fenestration. The high performance pressure-equalized design finds favour with many designers working on prestige office, hotel, hospital and university projects.
Across the river in Southwark a cluster of three former warehouse and industrial buildings, including a 1950s former printing works, have been unified to create the Great Guildford Business Square. A new entrance arch, a four-storey high atrium and two addition storeys turn a dour, uninspiring environment into a series of inviting and airy workspaces that achieve a BREEEAM Very Good rating. Crittall W20 fixed lights and vents, C2000 fixed lights, and Cold Form Doors were chosen for the scheme.
