The Knauf Building – providing theoretical and practical education in all areas of lightweight dry construction – is the new public face of Knauf’s factory site in Sittingbourne. In a flat landscape peppered with industrial boxes, a simple series of rectangular volumes are stacked, extruded and eroded to express the spatial arrangements of the plan and announce a public programme. The building’s emphasised horizontality responds to the adjacent swale wetlands, which are classified as a ‘Special Protection Area’ for migratory birds. The building’s configuration maximises the use of Knauf materials and systems; the façade, insulation, internal partitions, ceilings and raised access floors all showcase the company’s product catalogue. The 1,300 square metre new headquarters – containing reception, product gallery, technical support office, seminar and boardroom facilities and a drywall training school – will combine with Knauf’s manufacturing and research facility to support the company in extending and improving its training programme.

2013
Location
Sittingbourne, Kent, UK
Cost
£1.8 Million
Client
Knauf Drywall

Knauf Drywall Learning Zone Shortlisted for Building Awards 2014 06.02.14

Allford
Hall
Monaghan
Morris