New Accommodation Project, GCHQ, Cheltenham
About the Project
- Principal designer: Gensler
- Client: GCHQ
- Principal contractor: Carillion
- Principal architect/engineer: TPS Consult
- Contract value: £330 million
This 100,000m2 building is a major feat in all respects. As the largest PFI project in Europe , the GCHQ's new building would be home to over 4,500 staff, relocating them from 50 different buildings on two existing sites in Cheltenham.
By its nature, it obviously also had to be a secure building. Architects Gensler turned to the concept of medieval fortresses for the design in terms of its inner secure space and outer defensive wall.
Nicknamed locally 'the doughnut' the building is actually three identical, interdependent office buildings which combine as one circular structure, 200m in diameter.
An internal 'street' runs its full circumference, uniting departments via a bright, glass roofed walkway and providing shared amenities, whilst the scheme also boasts an 80m wide landscaped courtyard at its heart.
But it is the circular form which pays dividends - reducing the floor to wall ratio by 20% and energy costs by an expected 40%. It helps in terms of anti-terrorism measures, too, with a 1.5m x 4m glass façade especially designed to counteract threats, and planar glazing set at different angles to cloak the interior.
The Judges said:
"This is a fine example of a design which is both attractive and makes good sense. The circular form cuts costs in terms of energy and construction - it is a fortress, but one which has not sacrificed looks for safety."