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Summary

Description

1949-50. Stewart Sim, architect of the Ministry of Works. Structurally innovative and economic functional Modernism on a large warehouse block, using pioneering techniques for pre-stressed concrete frame construction (see note), and anodized aluminium cladding. 3-storey, with 2 suspended floors; grid of flexible pre-stressed floor beams with sandwich-plate anchorages on reinforced concrete load-bearing piloti columns. Ribbed concrete base; plastic interior partition walls; continuous steel-framed windows between aluminium panelling for natural lighting into storage floors. Aesthetics not ignored: long symmetrical lines pinned down on end elevations by vertical glazed stair bays; concrete stairs cantilevered out around (blue) concrete newel, exposed through apsidal glass frames, and steel canopy porches on steel rod props at (stair) entrances. Deep concrete canopy at loading bay at south. Punched aluminium 'parapet'; portholes in cubic lift-shaft blocks centre at rear (north). Rainwater and service pipes concealed, the former taken down centre of beams. Columns on each floor originally painted in 3 pastel colours. Pair contemporary flagpoles in front of entrance/loading bay front (south), and short cubic gatepiers (concrete) at eastern entrances.

Statement of Special Interest

Controversial and internationally high-profile opening ceremony 9 December 1950. Press release referred to the warehouse as "the first multi-storeyed building to be erected in Europe in pre-stressed concrete". Architect, Stewart Sim; Pre-stressed concrete contractors, Costain Ltd; Structural Engineers, Webster and Pearson.

No longer in use as HMSO Store (2020).

The statutory address and listed building record description were revised in October 2020.

References

Bibliography

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