Education Centre

Project idea

Conversion of a historic village building within the BROKIS glassworks campus into an education centre celebrating the craft of glassmaking. The design respects the character of the original structure, inserting new volumes within its restored envelope, and leads visitors through the full journey of making, from an introduction to the craft to the finished product.

Project description

The project transforms a traditional building within the BROKIS glassworks campus into an education centre dedicated to glassmaking. The programme takes visitors through the complete process of making, from an introduction to the craft, through the workshop spaces, to the finished product. The design restores the historic envelope of the original structure and inserts a new volume within it; this new volume is further articulated by inserted boxes that bring daylight and distinct functions into the interior and exterior. Spaces are organised around a black-and-white principle, alternating open, communal areas with enclosed places for focus. Interiors are shaped by natural daylight and finished in glass, stainless steel and terrazzo with crushed glass aggregate, connecting the building's materiality to the craft it serves.

Technical information

The existing perimeter masonry of the historic building is retained and restored, forming the shell; the structure placed within it combines a steel frame with new partitions. External cladding combines stainless steel panelling with BROKIS glass panels. Glazed screens also form the boundary between interior spaces and the atria. Interior floors are finished in terrazzo containing crushed BROKIS glass aggregate. Recorded levels range from ±0.000 at ground floor to +9.050 at the ridge of the restored roof, with intermediate levels of +4.200 and +5.200/+5.700 marking the insert's roofline and the springing of the historic roof structure.