Broadmarsh car park in Nottingham was one of the least admired buildings in the city
Now, with Maple’s help, its replacement is regarded as an important city landmark.
Aluminium and Equitone rainscreen cladding, cast glass panels, terracotta tiles and vertical aluminium fins give the new 1,200-space multi-storey a bright and modern look. In fact, it’s hard to believe the building (which also houses a new bus station) is really a car park.
“I think it looks fantastic,” said City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen. “It’s a key part of the rejuvenation of the city’s Southside, and is already making a dramatic difference to the look and feel of this part of the city centre.”
The façade design by Leonard Design Architects takes its inspiration from the new Nottingham College and heritage buildings nearby. Terracotta tiles match the hues of local brickwork, and are complemented by rainscreen cladding and cast glass panels, while the vertical fins make a striking design statement.
It was all made possible by Maple’s ability to translate architectural visions into ‘buildable’ reality, and by close collaboration with the architects and contractors Galliford Try from pre-construction to completion.
- The fins, based on Maple’s MS2000 linear blades in Grade 6063 T6 aluminium, were powder-coated to match the terracotta cladding
- High-level media screens were replaced with laser-cut panels during the design phase to enhance overall impact
- The design and manufacture of details (flashings) underwent onsite development to accommodate allowable variations within the steel sub-structure
- Architect, contractor and Maple’s in-house design team collaborated on all components to ensure manufacturing and installation efficiencies
Meanwhile, the main contractor and Maple’s HSEQ manager worked together to ensure quick, efficient and safe installation on a tight city-centre site with restricted access
It all helped achieve manufacturing and installation efficiencies at a time when the Covid pandemic created labour and material supply challenges.
“There were a few challenges, which Maple addressed really well – ten out of ten for communication,” said Galliford Try’s site manager, Tom Wright. “When you look at the finished product, it’s all been worthwhile. The mix of feature fins, laser-cut and terracotta panels looks great – very close to the architect’s impression.”
