Portcullis House
New Parliamentary Building, London, SW1
- Developer: Parliamentary Works Directorate
- Architect: Sir Michael Hopkins & Partners
- Project Manager: Laing Management Limited
- Quantity Surveyor: Gardiner & Theobald
- Main Contractor: Laing Management Limited
- Masonry Contractor: Vetters UK Limited
- Material: Portland Bowers Basebed
The Project comprises a large government office development of 11,000sq2 of office floor space over 7 storeys with a glazed courtyard incorporating a restaurant. The approximate overall budget was £250 million and the building is home to 200 Members of Parliament and approximately 300 office staff. Portcullis was officially opened by the Her Majesty the Queen in Spring 2001
Situated above Westminster Tube Station and to the Northern end of Westminster Bridge the new Parliamentary Building, Portcullis House, commands and impressive position adjacent to the Palace of Westminster.
The 22,600m2 site was acquired and prepared for the new construction in early spring of 1998. The foundations incorporated the latest rubber technology to resist vibrations and bomb blasts, while the glass courtyard roof was designed to resist the loading generated by a bomb blast.
The Architect, Sir Michael Hopkins & Partners approached the British Stone Organisation to source suitable stone material for the paving for the internal courtyard. After reviewing the aesthetics and technical information of 22 differing materials Portland Bowers Basebed was selected for its durability and beauty and was then approved by the Parliamentary Works Directorate for use on the project.
Once the external structure was completed Albion Stone Quarries began the supply of Portland Bowers Basebed. Throughout the production period the Architect and Project Team regularly visited the Quarry and Factory to select suitable blocks and oversee the production processes.
Albion Stone supplied approximately 36 Cubic metres of stone over a five month period from December 1999 to April 2000. The majority of the flooring, low clad walling and steps in the internal courtyard was produced at Albion's Factory on Portland.
Also specified along with stone flooring, was a stone water feature, stone reception desk and planters. Albion Stone supplied large blocks of typically 15 tonnes each to Vetters, which was cut and shaped at their works in Germany prior to being installed in the courtyard.
To ensure that the Stone was protected during the first few years of its life Albion Stone recommended Tensid UK Limited's products which were then used to seal the stone.
Project Address: Portcullis House Parliament Street London SW1
Nearest Tube: Westminster