Chris Rodgers TCIAT, on behalf of Stephenson Bell Architects, won the 2009 Technical Excellence Award for Architectural Technology for the Manchester Central Convention Complex.

A new extension linking three existing buildings and consolidating them as a single venue was the judges’ unanimous choice as the outright winner for the 2009 Technical Excellence Award. The link brings together existing buildings on site; the exhibition hall, conference centre and seminar centre, to provide additional space to allow events to run concurrently.

“It has to be the thirteen metre long asymmetrical cantilevered canopy,” is the immediate reply from Chris Rodgers TCIAT of Stephenson Bell Architects when I ask of which part of the project he was most proud. “It’s a very interesting object to look at. I find people staring at it when I walk past the building trying to figure how it works! It was very interesting to design and we had to fully understand how it would behave.”

“The rooflights have been very successful also,” Chris continued. “We used these to create an appropriate separation between the old and new structures. The huge rooflight in the main entrance provides dramatic views of the listed train shed.”

The canopy is clad in a 75mm sandstone rainscreen and cladding specialists were involved from the early design stages. The canopy was pre-cambered to accommodate the standstone loading. Once the steel was constructed, the dead weight of the sandstone was simulated on site. At this stage, the stone could have been cut differently should the deflection be more or less than anticipated. In addition to this, the stone was hung on adjustable fixings to ensure a perfectly flat soffit. The projecting eaves detail is clad in terne coated stainless steel. The material is long lasting with a life expectancy of 60 years, corrosion resistant and has a natural weathered appearance.

“We are delighted to have won this award — it’s very prestigious, plus it is the first year that we have entered and it is a proud achievement,” exclaims Chris, who worked on the project from its inception. “The building is a result of over three years’ work and I’m pleased to say that the client loves it and they have received really good feedback from those using the building.”

So, having worked on the project from its beginning, I asked Chris what the greatest challenge had been. “There were some complex interfaces with existing buildings to tackle. The new extension meets the listed 1880s train shed, 2001 Manchester International Convention Centre (MICC), also designed by Stephenson Bell, and 1994 Seminar Centre. The site conditions were also quite challenging in places with underground tunnels. These gave it added interest though, it’s great to rummage around the old buildings to understand how they were put together and work out the structural solution.”

Having combined these buildings from varying decades, did Chris think the project will stand the test of time? “Design wise it sits very comfortably within its surrounding context. The choice of materials like red sandstone, granite and terne-coated steel are very appropriate for this area and are very robust.” However, the project is not carbon neutral as Chris explains: “This wasn’t possible. It’s an extension to three buildings and it shares some of the existing systems. When the new plant was installed it was energy efficient and sensor controls have been used to reduce energy and water use. New materials were A+ rated and we aimed to reduce transport of materials with local stone.

“At Manchester Central we employed a BREEAM assessment programme to consider elements of both sustainability and life cycle cost analysis. Through consideration of BREEAM ratings our specification of materials was assessed according to the green guide and we were looking to ensure an A+ rating for all construction materials. Scrutiny of materials in this way allowed us to assess the sustainability of our design.”

With three buildings already existing on site, these were a huge influence on the project as Chris explained: “The biggest influences on the design were to reveal the train shed’s iconic arch, animate the venue, connect the internal and external spaces and provide a distinct entrance. The new extension is low in height to reveal the arch. The façade is primarily clear glass to show the activity inside and outside the building— the original foyer had black glass. The sandstone elements are sculptural forms which tie into the landscape and they define the entrance points. The large cantilever draws people into the foyer from the lower podium.”

Chris became a professionally qualified Architectural Technician, TCIAT, in 2006 and is working through the POP Record to become a Chartered Architectural Technologist. “I’ve been aware of CIAT since I started in practice when I was 18 and it is fantastic. I entered the Student Award equivalent of this Award and received a Commendation when I was at DeMontfort University. Winning this Award was something I personally wanted to achieve in my career.

“I feel that the Institute ensures that Architectural Technology professionals are educated to the highest  standards and continue to develop. I find that the grading system enforces the correct level of education and experience and it gives the wider industry and society a clear understanding of competence levels.”

As I leave Chris in the practice’s offices in Central Manchester, he is off to work on a variety of projects that are on-site including Chetham’s School of Music and South Trafford College. Chris adds: “I would just like to say thank you again for both the Award and the ceremony— the Presidents’ Dinner Dance in Leeds was a fantastic night.”

Stephenson Bell Architects celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2009 and most of that time has been spent working on the urban renaissance which has been seen in the centre of Manchester. Roger Stephenson received his OBE in 2001 for services to architecture with particular reference to the practice’s work in Manchester. Further details on the practice can be found at www.stephenson-bell.com. The practice received a certificate and cheque for £1500. A cast plaque for permanent attachment to the project will be presented in February 2010.