Location:
G1 Building
Client:
Sector:
The design proposals involved the retention and vertical extension of the existing category ‘A’ listed sandstone façade and the demolition of the existing structure behind it. The demolition works were complex in that originally the post office building occupied the full city block. However, in the 1990’s the rear portion of the site was sold and refurbished to provide luxury apartments. As the frame was common to both sides, it had to be carefully cut away in the demolition of the office side.
Engineering Excellence
The building proposals allowed for Grade A offices from first floor up with food retail at ground level and new double basement for parking. This necessitated deepening the existing basement in an area of high water table, requiring the construction of a new secant piled wall with active dewatering of the saturated, sandy ground conditions. The works were successfully undertaken without detriment to the neighbouring buildings.
Following construction of the basement, using watertight concrete, a new nine storey steel frame was constructed and tied into the existing façade. The frame steps back on the upper three floors, and the signature steel and glass ‘occupied roof’ creates the curved profile which has become a much-photographed addition to the Glasgow skyline.
