Although much has changed after the first moving picture was screened in the UK back in 1896, the cinema has remained a special place where people from all walks of life can go to be amused, amazed and astounded. In its design for the new Cineworld multiplex in Whiteley, Corstorphine + Wright Architects expressed these emotions with a technicolour façade utilising Rockpanel products.

According to project architect Richard Wagenhauser, creating balance was key. He wanted to follow the contemporary theme established in the town centre of Fareham, but at the same time he was looking to create something unique: “We wanted to differentiate the multiplex building, and the spaces associated with it, from the general thoroughfare. Cinemas are internal spaces and so the presence of glazing is limited to the foyer spaces at most. This presented an opportunity to clad an expanse of solid wall in a way that avoids the ‘blank grey box’ that has been a common feature of many multiplex cinemas.”

Classic and modern
The front and rear elevations are primarily clad with Rockpanel Colours in Dark and Light Bronze, Fawn and Grey White, supplied by Taylor Maxwell. Inset Rockpanel Chameleon was intermixed in the façades and iridescent boards were also installed on the eastern end of the cinema which faces the town.

At the front of the building, Corstorphine + Wright Architects have created a wave form canopy. This playful feature adds contrast with the linear façade and brings to mind the Googie architectural style typically found in many American drive-in theatres of the 1950s and 60s.

“The entire effect helps to animate the building and add a sense of fun, in keeping with the uses planned,” Richard adds. “All the elements combine together to provide a treatment that works in harmony yet is exciting.”

Façade cladding for BREEAM rating ‘Excellent’
The multiplex has also achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and the Rockpanel products helped to contribute towards this rating. All 16 certified construction elements with Rockpanel Durable and Durable ProtectPlus façade boards now hold best-in-class Green Guide Ratings of A+. In addition, Rockpanel Group was also the first cladding manufacturer to receive certification from the BRE complying with EN 15804.