Bank of Scotland
Location:
Rosyth, United Kingdom
Architect/Specifier:
Jenkins & Marr
Architects Jenkins & Marr broke from tradition with their design of banking offices in Rosyth, Scotland for property-developer Teesland. Among surrounding buildings of brick with slate roofs, the architects created a contemporary look. According to their design statement, the change would serve as "an end stop development which introduces a refreshing new style," thus broadening the palette for future buildings in the area. The timeline -- which allocated just 12 months to the entire project from commission to completion -- was also a major factor in the design. The progressive, modular structure created by Jenkins & Marr (featuring metal facades from Hunter Douglas) suited both the forward-looking tenant, an Internet bank, and the aggressive timeline. Associate architect Gordon Gibbons credits "the simplicity and repetitive nature of the design" with allowing rapid completion of the exterior. This in turn "allowed early weather tightness of the building and a start on an extensive fit-out which included all work areas, restaurant, meeting spaces and a staff gymnasium." The building covers about 80,000 square feet and provides workspace for over 700 people.