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 | | STUNNING NEW ATRIUM & REFURBISHMENT OF SURREY HOUSE FOR NORWICH UNION WINS PRESTIGIOUS REGIONAL AWARD | | | LSI Architects | | 03/10/2007 | | | LSI Architects’ redevelopment and refurbishment of one of Norwich’s most precious architectural jewels, Norwich Union’s Surrey House, has won the ‘Architecture for Business Award’ in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) East Spirit of Ingenuity Awards 2007. Cley Marshes Visitor Centre, a sustainable facility for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust designed by the practice, has also been awarded two commendations, in the categories of ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Community Architecture’.
The RIBA East regional award scheme celebrates the ingenuity, design excellence and innovativeness of architects and architecture across the East of England. The Norwich and London-based practice will be formally presented with their award at the official RIBA East Regional Awards Ceremony and Dinner, which is being held next Friday, 28th September at Ickworth House, Horringer in Suffolk from 6pm – 11pm.
The early 20th Century Surrey House was originally Norwich Union’s headquarters and was designed by notable Edwardian architect from Norwich, George Skipper. Renowned for its exuberant marble interior and architectural majesty, the Surrey Street building has been imaginatively reworked by LSI Architects to uniquely blend the architectural splendour of the past with a stunning, contemporary new-look Atrium.
The innovative steel-and-glass structure has created a dynamic four-storey high social space forming a central hub to Norwich Union’s Head Office and is a major component of the entire ‘Island Site’ refurbishment - a project development by Land Securities Trillium. The Atrium connects three wings of offices that were constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s, and importantly provides a unique setting for Surrey House, a Grade 1 listed building.
The interior space is defined by an arrangement of four grand columns, which resemble trees spreading out at high level to support a light glazed domed roof that evokes the top lit domed roof of the Marble Hall. The integration of Surrey House and the Marble Hall with the Atrium is a striking architectural arrangement that also reflects the history of Norwich Union, and through the architecture of the Atrium, the twenty-first century aspirations of the company. Surrey House is recognised as a symbol of Norwich Union’s commitment to Norwich and is a key public building for the insurance firm.
Mark Hughes, Operational Services Director at Norwich Union said: “LSI Architects have demonstrated great sensitivity and design excellence in successfully uniting our past architectural history with a magnificent, contemporary scheme. This is one of the largest office refurbishments in the UK and is transforming the working conditions of our staff and is a clear indication of our commitment to Norwich.”
David Ridel, a Principal Member of LSI Architects, commented: “The practice is delighted that the scheme has won this very prestigious Regional Award. The building’s refurbishment is of great significance – to Norwich Union, its staff, the people of Norwich and of course to the practice – and I would like to thank our valued clients, the project teams involved and our staff for their constant commitment to quality, attention to detail, professionalism and vision, without which this would not have been possible.”
The Project Team-
• Client Name- Land Securities Trillium (Horizon) Limited
• LSI Architects is also working closely with Aukett Ltd, Faber Maunsell, Bovis Lend Lease, Land Securities Trillium (Horizon) Ltd and Norwich Union.
This latest architectural accolade for the Norwich and London-based practice is their eleventh so far this year. Others include receiving the ‘Best East of England Small Company’ award in the Business in The Community Awards 2007 and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Innovation Award 2007 for the Broads Authority Sustainability Guide. The practice also won 4 out of 9 Norfolk Association of Architects’ Awards, including two for Norwich Union’s Atrium and the refurbishment of Surrey House.
The new Visitor Centre for Cley Marshes Nature Reserve in North Norfolk was commissioned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust in November 2004. The £675k facility utilises an extensive range of sustainable features and materials to minimise the environmental impact of the building on its surroundings. The new Centre provides Cley with a valuable community resource and visitors with an inspiring, ground-hugging building from which they can enjoy and learn about this unique and beautiful environment. The new development includes a reception, shop, café, observation and interpretation space with new interactive and educational equipment. | |
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