Marks Barfield Architects of London (designers of the London Eye) were commissioned to design the building and obtain planning permission. It was required to have a low-carbon footprint, incorporate the latest environmental technologies and be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Initial designs were subjected to a process of value engineering and this, together with the incorporation of enhanced eco-features, led to the building eventually being approved. Construction commenced on 22nd November 2007 with Marriotts (part of the Kier Group) as the main contractor.
Think Tank is clad in Rockpanel Chameleon which is a durable, low-maintenance panel material with a special, very hard wearing crystal effect layer. The direction of light causes a change of colour depending on the angle from which the panel is viewed. Rockpanel Chameleon is specially developed for areas where additional aesthetic characteristics are required. This means that Think Tank looks different according to time of day and from every direction.
In addition, natural larch from FSC sources have been used to clad north facing facades and to provide solar shading, or to augment special features or areas. In time this material will weather to a silvery hue.
Internally much of the concrete superstructure has been left exposed to express the “industrial” aesthetic of the building form. Any wall decoration is of eco-friendly, water based paints.
Shading blinds are installed on all windows subject to solar glare at certain times of the day. Likewise the same blinds will act as additional heat insulation at night.
All materials, external cladding and internal finishes complement and enhance the surrounding area, as well as making Think Tank a superbly comfortable, evocative and desirable working environment, that will encourage high productivity and success.
Visit this unique building – contact us for an appointment to view.