Science Production Studios

Location: Stroud, Gloucestershire

Client: Damien Hirst

Project Year: 2012

Cost: Over £2m

Designscape has developed a 9,000sqm art production studio and gallery reusing an existing steel portal frame structure originally built for the manufacture of plastics. The brief involved a high level of design, detail and finish, including exceptionally high structural loading requirements and innovative cladding and glazing. The building is split into three bays: reception and gallery, art production and storage facilities, with each area defined externally through cladding panels of contrasting colours. The artist’s production of large-scale art work requires highly specialised accommodation, including freezer storage and a fire protected art store. The western riverside boundary has become a sculpture garden. The Formaldehyde Building was awarded Best Commercial Building in the Brick Awards 2012. In association with MRJ Rundell + Associates.