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NESTLE PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY CENTRE York
Nestle Product Technology Centre has surpassed its brief and is now seen as the global centre for excellence for this global manufacturer. It provides a stunning new showcase for Nestlé which reflects its commitment to R&D and promotes its core values and brand. To provide this marvellous building the team has overcome successfully many design and operational challenges.
This building gives the company much more than a workplace - it incorporates offices; sensory areas (tasting panels); engineering support; conceptualisation; design/idea space; a prototyping kitchen; customer experience and demonstration spaces and meeting space: Willy Wonka would be jealous.
The building offers a unique visitor experience - the glazed front door provides an insight into the world of confectionary - along with an innovative and inspirational working environment. The design facilitates flexible and efficient working and enhances interaction between the diverse range of departments which share the workspace.
The team surmounted the challenge of balancing the conflicting requirements of the desire for transparency and openness versus the need to maintain the high level of security and hygiene control. They also had to work within an incredibly tight site, between two existing buildings, to an accelerated delivery programme. Every attention to detail and quality has been paid - not many designers have to cater for the requirement for chocolate to be cooled at an exact temperature over a specific time , hence the exact specification of the granite work surface.
Also tackled successfully was the relocation of the main entrance to the extension whilst masking the old entrance. This is achieved seamlessly through the provision of a continuous roof light stretching the length of the building above a tree lined boulevard. The interconnectivity and fluidity of the internal spaces, with each specific area forming part of the next zone, has been delivered in a masterful manner.
The office environment creates a workplace that stimulates creativity with the open plan arrangement making the building feel much larger than it actually is. The personal workstations are supplemented with generous breakout and informal spaces.
The building has achieved a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating and car parking was sacrificed for cycle spaces and other modes of sustainable transport including two electric car charging points.
The fact that this building is now seen as the global centre for Research and Development for Nestle is testimony to what the team has delivered. |