RIBA North
Opened in June 2017, RIBA North is RIBA’s national architecture centre based at Liverpool’s Waterfront. An inspirational resource for both members and the public, it plays host to a variety of architectural exhibitions and talks.
Because of the prestigious, landmark nature of the project, Allgood was selected by architects Broadway Malyan to deliver a bespoke ironmongery specification that would seamlessly integrate with the 2.4-metre-high glass doors in the front entrance, gallery and WCs.
Allgood designed and manufactured bespoke stainless-steel pull plates that were laser etched with RIBA font lettering in-house at our Brearley Street factory. The pull plates were required to integrate with a range of glass doors, which meant detailed setting out to ensure compatibility of fixing mechanisms with the specific toughened glass construction, to avoid any risk of unnecessary strain on the glass material.
Further bespoke elements included custom-made push and pull handles that were fitted to toilet cubicles with concealed fixings to deliver the desired contemporary finish to complement the modern aesthetic throughout the building.
Bill Chaggar, Product Development Manager for Allgood commented:
“The design process was quite complex, the architects wanted something aesthetically appealing but also subtle and understated. Every door needed to be perfect, so each bespoke element was individually made to measure and etched in-house.”
The project is testament to the combined effort of the design teams as it involved months of collaboration and planning between Broadway Malyan, the main contractor ISG, and the specialist door providers, to ensure the chosen designs translated into end products that met mechanical compatibility and performance requirements.
Allgood was involved at all stages, from inception through to the manufacturing and delivery. As well as bespoke products, the iconic Modric and Mode ranges – which are crafted from grade 316 solid stainless steel – were selected for their durability and sleek design. These were specified in the RIBA staff spaces, such as the meeting rooms, offices and staff accommodation.
