Hepworth Art Gallery

CLient:
Hepworth Art Gallery
Main Contractor:
Laing O’Rourke Northern Ltd
Project Title:
Hepworth Art Gallery
Project Size:
2200m²
Description:
Installation of the PermaFloor system to 10 major gallery spaces and entrance area.m²

With over 1600m² of light-filled gallery spaces, The Hepworth Wakefield is the largest purpose-built exhibition space outside London.

 

The gallery brings together work from Wakefield’s art collection, exhibitions by contemporary artists and rarely seen works by Barbara Hepworth.
Wakefield Council began the project development with a RIBA international architecture competition that led to the selection of David Chipperfield Architects with Laing O’Rourke Northern Ltd appointed as the main contractor. With its angular grey concrete façade, rising out of the River Calder, and fluid interior spaces the architects were looking for a flooring system that fitted perfectly with the innovative design of the gallery and thus selected PermaFloor in it’s 10 major gallery spaces.

The PermaFloor system was laid over concrete and underfloor heating. The underfloor heating was commissioned before the PermaFloor was installed in these areas. It was also used on the stairs whereby the system was fixed into metal trays for the treads and risers. PermaFloor has a distinctive feel and warmth, producing a substantial comfort factor reducing the physical stress for staff and visitors alike.

The Civic Trust has named The Hepworth, Wakefield its favourite scheme from the 52 national and international projects recognised at its annual ceremony. The judges described the scheme as “an outstanding building and a wonderful place in which to experience art” adding that “the conceptual design is powerful and the scheme has been beautifully detailed and constructed.”