City Place, Gatwick

The site is at the end of a central tree-lined boulevard; facing the historic Grade II listed Beehive building. The L-shaped floor plan follows the building line established by previous phases, breaking forward to terminate the vista within Central Avenue.

Four storeys of accommodation are arranged around a compact core. The efficient plan creates a rich variety of space-planning options. A dramatic inclined glazed wall marks the entrance, and defines the form of the internal atrium.

The primary elevations are clad in black-framed glazed curtain walling, while the rear elevations contain horizontal linear windows set into a classical modern rendered surround. Externally, full height vertical shading fins and mesh-clad escape staircases add a monumental scale to this simple form.

Displacement ventilation, high-performance glazing and external shading enable a 23% saving in carbon emissions compared with traditional air-conditioning.