The Drum is the heart of learning and socialising in The Wave, a 16,600-square-metre building for the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield by HLM Architects. Its inviting, organic form at the centre of light-flooded atrium benefits from 500 sheets of HIMACS solid surfacing in Alpine White. These provide a fascinating interplay of shadow and light throughout the day. More than 1,300 individual sections of HIMACS were thermoformed to shape by fabricator 3G Joinery & Shopfitting, with more than 80 different radii used to create a sleek and seamless aesthetic.
Amy Hipwell, Interior Designer at HLM Architects, explains why HIMACS was the clear choice for the project, “There were a number of key considerations when choosing the material that would clad the Drum. The material needed to be durable and low maintenance with the ability to curve and appear seamless. The Drum is a central feature of the atrium and is not only visible from every area within the building, but it’s also accessible from every level.”
The Wave was built to meet future growth demands and provide a world-class, sustainable, inspiring and collaborative educational environment, as well as enhance the faculty’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Serving as a mini-campus, it has brought together faculties from 18 separate buildings into one cohesive space, with the Drum at its core. The elliptical form comprises three levels of lecture theatres, surrounded by mezzanines with breakout facilities.
Amy adds, “The interior concept is focused on well-being and the use of natural materials. The chosen cladding material needed to contrast against these softer finishes. With the amount of daylight through the atrium roof, it was important that the colour wouldn’t be affected over time. It became clear that this was the right material, as it would stand the test of time and still look impressive in years to come.”
HIMACS is renowned worldwide for its spectacular facades. Its capacity for complex thermoforming makes it ideal for curvaceous projects and truly exceptional architecture. Hardwearing, durable, fire resistant and silica free, HIMACS has an outstanding safety profile, together with valuable performance and maintenance benefits. Non-porous, resistant to stains, graffiti and UV light, and joined with inconspicuous seams, HIMACS provides unbeatable hygiene and clean air properties, guaranteed by certifications complying with LGA, NSF international standard and Greenguard.
Project name: The Drum at The Wave, Sheffield University
Location: Sheffield, England
Designer and Architect: HLM Architects
Fabricator: 3G Joinery & Shopfitting Ltd
Material: HIMACS in Alpine White S028 www.lxhausys.com/eu │@himacseurope
HIMACS Supplier: James Latham www.lathamtimber.co.uk
Photos: Martine Hamilton-Knight Photography/HLM Architects/Vox Multimedia
HIMACS elements: Cladding for the Drum within the atrium of The Wave building
Source: Architecture Today