Glassworks is a perfect example of how attention to detail can revitalise a historic town quarter - in this case, the marketplace in question received its original Royal Charter in 1249.
| Project | The Glassworks / Market Place |
| Location | Barnsley |
| Client | Barnsley Council |
| Landscape Architect: | IBI Landscape Architects |
| Main Contractor: | Henry Boot |
| Sub-Contractor | Hardscapes Granite |
| Sector: | Residential |
| Design / Product | Plateau Wall Top Seating |
| Photography: | Hardscapes Granite / The Glassworks Barnsley |
Glassworks is an innovative redevelopment of Barnsley Market which, despite being a historic mainstay for the local community, had faded into irrelevance. However, a proactive approach was taken to redevelop the site, with a series of interlinked market halls framing a new landscaped public square.
Attention to detail was crucial throughout all aspects of the project as it featured a modernistic typology reflective of the landscape architects desire to re-make the public square as a ‘vibrant, diverse and sustainable’ place.
For the seating this meant numerous challenges requiring expert craftsmanship. Each timber was cut and individually angled, and the faces of each section were mitred to match the granite angle of the seat base.
The main product used was Plateau wall top seating. From a materiality aspect, Opepe hardwood was specified and the arm supports were manufactured from 316 grade Stainless Steel on top of Hardscapes granite bases. The clean appearance was achieved by using the back support to hide all the framework which is sandwiched within the timber.
