Record Hall, Hatton Square

A bespoke finish reflecting the local heritage

Originally built in the 1920s, the glory days of The Record Hall, Hatton Garden, were long in the past before the recent development took place. Led by Karakusevic Carson Architects, the first four storeys were completely refurbished and added an additional two storeys were added on top. The extended building now covers 61,000 sqft.  

London’s jewel trade has been centred on Hatton Garden since the 19th century when it spread from the ancient centre of Clerkenwell. More than 200 years later, the area is still home to more than 300 jewellery business and another 90 shops, making Hatton Garden the largest cluster of jewellery retailers in the UK.

Anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding was chosen for the upper levels of the building, including the new extension, to reflect the heritage of the area. The sparkling, bespoke Anolok® Bronze 540 finish shimmers in the light, giving the building a new lease of life while also grounding it firmly in the traditions of the local area.

Lightweight, strong and versatile cladding

Anodised aluminium cladding offered more to the Record Hall than just beauty, however. The cladding gives an optically flat aesthetic thanks to an aluminium honeycomb core which is structurally bonded between two thin gauges of lightweight metal skin. The strength of this structure allows the façade to be thinner without losing any strength. By adding extruded vertical and horizontal fins to the thin profile, the panels appear to be recessed into the building.

This is important on a tight site with narrow streets where the building cannot feel like it is looming over the pavements and people below. Additionally, the anodised aluminium is robust and durable enough to stand up to the higher wind speeds generated by the reduced space between medium-rise structures in the area.

Sustainability built into the façade

The thin profile allowed by the lightweight strength of anodised aluminium panels also builds in sustainability advantages. Thinner panels leave more space for increased insulation on the inner structure without sacrificing ventilation.

This additional insulation contributed towards the achievement of a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating at the Record Hall. This is a notable sustainability achievement which will have a positive commercial impact for the client. Occupiers want sustainable spaces are willing to pay a premium for them. In this way, specifying anodised aluminium cladding contributes to value over the lifetime of the project.

Additionally, aluminium cladding is A1 fire rated, making it even more sustainable. The anodised Anolok® Bronze 540 finish is integral to the metal itself, rather than being an additive-based product, so the panels can retain their A1 rating without the need for additional certification.

A practical, beautiful façade that delivers on all fronts

The choice of anodised aluminium for the façade allowed Karakusevic Carson Architects to achieve their creative ambitions for The Record Hall. The final building is functional, attractive and demonstrates how the right material can enhance and transform every aspect of a building.

Karakusevic Carson Architects said: “The Record Hall project demonstrates how intelligent design can bring clarity and character to what was a previously complex and incoherent site and create a place where old and new cannot simply co-exist but flourish.”

Want to learn more about Anolok® Bronze and discover how it could look on your project? Contact the team and request your free sample today!