2006
MSCP Cardiff
Client
Cardiff City Council
Location
Cardiff
Architect
Scott Brownrigg
Contractor
McAlpine Construction
Client
Cardiff City Council
Location
Cardiff
Architect
Scott Brownrigg
Contractor
McAlpine Construction
Creating an Illuminated Tensile Fabric Facade
We designed and installed an illuminated tensile fabric façade for MSCP Cardiff, creating a bold, sculptural identity that redefines a functional building within a major regeneration scheme.
Reimagining a Functional Structure
Located within Cardiff Bay, one of Europe’s largest waterfront regeneration projects, the multi-storey car park formed the first phase of a £150 million development. The brief was to elevate what is typically a purely functional building into a recognisable landmark that reflects the character and ambition of the surrounding area.
The challenge was to transform a simple, rectangular structure into something visually engaging. The façade needed to introduce movement, identity and light, while maintaining ventilation, visibility and operational efficiency within the building.
A Light-Responsive Fabric Façade
The rectangular, box like car park was to be completely transformed by a series of six 120m long scalloped tensile fabric ribbons running parallel across the entire width of building, a stunning contemporary design by Scott Brownrigg Architects.
The pulsing waves of fabric cascading down the front of the car park bring an otherwise unremarkable building, formed entirely by it’s function, dramatically alive with movement and a dynamic flair that most car parks could only dream of. We were approached by main contractor McAlpine Construction to use our specialist skills to detail design, manufacture and install the tensile fabric structure and lighting system.
Defined by Movement and Light
We were selected to bring this vision into reality due to our proven expertise and excellent relationship with the main contractor. As well as undertaking the detail design, manufacture and installation of the fabric facades, we also collaborated closely with a specialist lighting company to create the impressive lighting scheme.
A silver mesh PVC fabric was selected for a number of reasons that were crucial to the successful function of the facade. A mesh fabric allows light and air to filter through into the car park, ensuring the facade that clothes the front of the building does not create a dark and exhaust filled cavern. From inside the car park it is possible to see through the mesh fabric to the outside world, retaining an open feeling inside a ‘clothed’ building, further enhanced by the wave design which inherently creates sizable openings that also serve to improve the airflow.
