On a long narrow site within a conservation area and adjacent to Llandaff Cathedral, the client required a signature building of high architectural quality, targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating.

The building is organised as two distinct elements flanking a large circulation / atrium space. A three-storey wing houses the main entrance - you arrive under the angled soffit that is the pitched floor of the auditorium above - administration, a hospitality suite and academic workspaces. The lower ground level is clad in blue Staffordshire brick acting a strong base, with the upper levels clad in pre-oxidised copper.

The internal spaces are very cleanly and elegantly detailed. The linear wooden-clad staircase creates a positive vertical circulation element parading along the atrium, more like a large piece of crafted furniture.