Where to find us
Job Location:
Hiscox Northern Office Building, York
Client:
BAM Construction
Programme:
65 weeks
Services:
Sub-structure, Superstructure, External Works
Architectural Marvel: GRK’s Role in the Hiscox Northern Office Building
With GRK Civils at the helm, this remarkable project emerged in a forgotten part of York’s medieval heart. Discover how our expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence worked in unison to bring this awe-inspiring structure to life.
Expertise in Action
With a program spanning 65 weeks and a contract value of £3 Million, GRK Civils proudly started the project with a range of key responsibilities. Our expertise extended to pile cap foundations and the construction of suspended slabs, stairs, and landings.
Additionally, our dedicated professionals meticulously handled internal and external services, drainage, and hard and soft landscaping, taking every aspect of the project into account.
Overcoming Unique Challenges
The Hiscox Northern Office Building presented its own set of remarkable challenges, making it a project of archaeological interest. Careful excavation was required to respectfully remove human remains for archiving, while sections deemed too large to remove necessitated the innovative design of a structure that spans this area. Our team’s ingenuity was showcased in the construction sequence, ensuring that the suspended floors were properly cured before the installation of internal balustrade walls, which supported the captivating “floating” staircase. The intricately curved spiral staircase between the second and third floors required a combination of cutting-edge formwork systems and meticulously crafted timber shutters.
The Vision
Against the backdrop of a spacious open office scheme, the Hiscox Northern Office Building stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between innovation and design. As the pulse of the city, this architectural gem maximises natural light, allowing it to permeate through four expansive floors. A ribbon-like staircase, reminiscent of York’s undulating city walls, gracefully ascends through a triple-height atrium, leading to a landscaped roof terrace with breathtaking views of York Minster. The Hiscox Northern Office Building’s facade is a visual masterpiece, with curved glass panels and a woven brickwork pattern echoing the charm of the 19th Century market. Overlooking a newly created public area, this structure effortlessly blends with nearby listed landmarks while establishing pedestrian-friendly routes connecting the Hungate to the city centre.
Celebrating Architectural Brilliance
At every turn, the Hiscox Northern Office Building dazzles with exposed concrete surfaces that accentuate its distinctive character. Notably, the café and informal meeting area’s curving skylight, complete with a rocket from the former Soviet arsenal, adds a remarkable touch of uniqueness to the space. It comes as no surprise that this exceptional project was shortlisted for the prestigious 2016 Concrete Society Awards, a testament to its architectural prowess.
Conclusion
In collaboration with BAM Construction, GRK Civils played a pivotal role in the creation of the Hiscox Northern Office Building in York. Guided by our expertise and unwavering commitment, this architectural marvel now stands tall, representing the perfect balance between form and function. At GRK, we continue to foster a culture of inspiration, excellence, and innovation, ensuring that each project we undertake paves the way for greatness.
