Motorway Service Area Wetherby, A1(M) Junction 46 Client: Moto Hospitality The architectural brief was to create an iconic statement which would also combine high levels of sustainable and environmental design. The building is the first in the UK of its type to be predominantly naturally ventilated reducing reliance on mechanical services. Being in open countryside meant that the building had to maintain a relatively low height profile so dramatic over-sailing wing profile roofs create a horizontal emphasis. The roofs are supported on a series of irregular spaced angle columns creating a sense of structural drama. A central rotunda identifies the entry point into the building. An inclined glass wall naturally ventilates the building monitoring wind pressure and temperatures.A back up heating and cooling system using ground source heat pumps and thermal mass floor slabs are only utilised when temperatures within the building go beyond acceptable parameters.Grey water recycling and SUDS drainage systems complete the sustainable package.
An element of the Wetherby MSA site also included a lodge and filling station, the interior of the amenity building involved careful selection of a small number of finishes. The orientation of floor finishes and thresholds in the main concourse serve to guide visitors along the various offers. Their scale is commensurate with the volume of the building and colours appear to flow through the curtain wall seamlessly into the defensive hard landscaping at the front of the building, all the time remaining neutral and allowing the shop fronts of the retail offers to take centre-stage. Timber slats bathe the seating area with warm indirect light and also serve to take care of acoustic issues normally associated with large expanses of hard finishes.
Phase 1 of the exciting Wetherby MSA site and first to be completed and commence trading. The styling cues for the Architecture of this building were taken from the amenity building, as were the interior finishes. Visitors will first notice a consistency of materials in this most demanding environment. The brief from the client was for a forecourt that would be functional, industrial and robust, yet uncompromised as a retail offer. A combination of ceramic-granite, aluminium clad panels and high pressure laminates defend against super-heavy wear-and-tear and chemical attack. Specialist lighting, bespoke internally illuminated signage and rationalisation of equipment optimise retail opportunity for the Merchandisers. The Wetherby forecourt shop trades at number one spot in the Moto estate.
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