In progressive and dynamic business sectors, such as construction, it’s natural to be forward focused on new contracts and opportunities, but sometimes, it’s beneficial to look back on notable achievements on key projects.
The Winchester College canopy and extension was originally completed 7 years ago, but the quality of the project, the unique bespoke column casings and the fact that we have high-quality images means will soon feature in selected construction print and electronic media.
Here’s a brief background to the original project:
As part of a project to refurbish and extend Winchester College’s New Hall building, 20 bespoke aluminium column casings, from Encasement’s Forma range, were supplied and installed by the company to conceal structural supports and enhance aesthetics.
New Hall was originally constructed in 1961 as a venue for concerts, lectures and examinations for the school, with this later extension and upgrades designed by RIBA chartered practice, BHM Architects.
The design not only incorporates a revised entrance and foyer, but also substantial improvements to the main performance space with the inclusion of retractable bleacher seating, mechanical ventilation and changes in room geometry to enhance the building’s acoustics.
Four of Encasement’s 450mm diameter column casings are used as a main feature within the new entrance design and stand up to 5.8 metres high to conceal structural steelwork supporting the pitched canopy.
The remaining 16 casings were installed within other parts of the project, including the main glazed foyer area, while all 20 casings are coated with a RAL 7015 grey PPC finish to integrate with the building’s interior design scheme.
Every Forma aluminium column casing was manufactured to the architect’s precise specifications, which included special asymmetric header collars on the external casings, which were cut on site by Encasement to ensure they fitted perfectly with the angled canopy.
