Victoria Gate

Description of the project

Designed by Acme Architects, the Victoria Gate development is home to the flagship store of the classic British brand, John Lewis. The development created a key urban block in Leeds city centre, influenced by old fashioned arcades, and provides retail and leisure uses anchored by the department store.

The diagrid-patterned façade is made from struts of etched concrete and is punctured by an array of Guardian SunGuard® SuperNeutral™ 70/35 coated glass windows which add a unique sense of order and rhythm to the façade. The natural blue colour of the SN 70/35 glass works beautifully with the subtle tones of the concrete, whilst flooding the arcade space in natural light.

A shopping complex in the 21st century has the challenge of competing with online retail and the competitive edge needed is likely to originate from one sole factor – the actual experience of those doing the shopping. Such an experience is shaped by impressive architecture combined with thorough construction and materials execution as showcased in this breath-taking development by Acme.

Apart from the appealing aesthetics of the glazing used, the SN 70/35 product allows for a high solar protection on neutral-looking glass, keeping the building and its occupants cool thanks to its selectivity of 2.00.