MIND THE GAP

Q: What does a state of the art technology and multimedia developer need from its UK HQ?

A: An exciting, dynamic space that will inspire and impress both staff and visitors.

Evolve are a key component in the planned redevelopment of Imagination Technologies’ company headquarters in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, working closely with architects EPR and their vision for the site. The Evolve team have provided structural and civil engineering services to all three building phases, helping deliver two stunning buildings that curve into the landscape, with a third to be completed in 2015, and having already helped bridge the divide between the original two to good effect.

A Grand Union canal ‘spur’ runs through the middle of the double three-storey buildings, so a feature footbridge, 22m in length was installed in one piece, with tapered steel plate girders helping achieve the span at minimal depth. The buildings themselves feature a glazed central atrium, internal bridge links, campus cafeteria, plus above and below ground parking.

The building structures have concrete frames with post-tensioned slabs to achieve long spans, thus creating an open and flexible office space. Cantilevered steel beams support dramatic picture frame facades, with rain screen cladding and solar shading fins finessing the exterior.