The Challenge
St George’s is the first building when approached from Manchester City Centre and is adjacent to a well-preserved Grade II listed Church. As such it forms the gateway to the new neighbourhood development. Due to its proximity to the church the scale and materiality had to be carefully considered. As it was originally designed as two buildings wrapped by a uniform envelope an additional challenge has been to address the one single mass as two different buildings with their respective requirements.
The Solution
Its prominent location invited an outward looking design and the building was consequently designed to maximise views over the adjacent Grade II listed church, from which its name is derived, with a mainly glass façade to its Eastern elevation and with all apartments benefitting from large windows taking advantage of the spectacular views. The building has been treated throughout as two independent blocks, joined by a unified façade, making it look like one single building.
The Outcome
The outcome is a striking design, which complements its sensitive surroundings and acts as a landmark gateway into the new neighbourhood masterplan. It provides outstanding communal facilities in a desirable location, with a high-end design and luxurious internal specification.