WE+KRFT
stoke-on-Trent, UK
China Hall itself, a direct part of the project’s site, is a one of a kind industrial hall with an exceptionally unique concrete vaulted ceiling. In the project, the approach was to minimise the interference and let the old, harsh materiality speak for itself. A similar thing applies to a second building on the site – a 60s block from which, however, only a concrete grid structure remains.
The façade is cladded with ceramic baguettes in a rhythmic, double-layered, diagonal manner to create the feeling of a seeming monolith, which is a natural extension of the China Halls’ front wall. The material not only emphasises the programme and the history but is also extremely durable, and when carefully preserved can be used for decades without major maintenance. In contrast, the new addition is cladded with timber, therefore the external cladding informs the purpose of the building.
The function of the building is mostly the furniture workshop focusing on natural materials such as timber and ceramic, hence the use of these materials throughout the project.
Warm timber from sustainable sources used in new elements plays with the harshness of exposed concrete creating the desired industrial contrast.
Use of ceramic battens on the facade, linking back to the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, provides a natural extremely durable material that will last years, which can be recycled at the end of life,
Warm timber from sustainable sources used in new elements plays with the harshness of exposed concrete creating the desired industrial contrast.
Use of ceramic battens on the facade, linking back to the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, provides a natural extremely durable material that will last years, which can be recycled at the end of life,
