De La Rue Technology Centre
Jakob Spriestersbach

De La Rue Technology Centre

RCKa as Architects

RCKa has completed the refurbishment and extension of a research facility in Hampshire for De La Rue, the world’s largest integrated commercial bank note printer, to create a world-class technology center.


Consolidating existing research activities from across the company into a single location, RCKa’s refurbishment and extension of an existing 1980s office building provides new laboratory accommodation, write-up space and visitors’ area for De La Rue’s R&D team. The 2000 sq m building provides a highly secure research facility, however it is designed to ensure security aspects do not dominate the architecture.


Located within De La Rue's production plant at Overton Mill on the southern edge of an Area of Great Landscape Value and in the depths of the Hampshire countryside, the existing building is the first to be visible to visitors to the site. It was therefore crucial to provide a striking initial impression that reflected the cutting edge technology within the building.Distinguished by the use of deep reveals on the primary elevation, which in addition to providing a degree of shading in the summer months, also creates a highly sculptural form that responds to the movement of the sun throughout the day.


Sited on a steep slope, the entrance has been relocated to the north side of the building on the mid level, removing an awkward and convoluted external stair that previously dominated the south elevation.The new three-storey extension to the south-east elevation of the existing building features secure laboratory accommodation and visitors' suite on the ground and first floors, with open-plan offices and write-up space on the top level.


The relocation of research and write-up spaces to the top floor of the building encourages scientists to leave their labs and interact with one another outside of the secure laboratory environment. The new open-plan write-up spaces provide a collaborative and creative social environment with a series of flexible areas. Full-height glazing floods the space with natural daylight, providing dramatic views of the surrounding countryside.


Constance Baroudel, Group Director Strategy and Business Development,De La Rue commented, “In a year in which De La Rue celebrates its 200th anniversary we remain committed to continued innovation. We are therefore delighted with our new technology center at our Overton site which provides both the facilities and the environment that will allow our R&D team to thrive.”


Russell Curtis, Director, RCKa said, “We're extremely proud to have helped De La Rue realize the full potential of their existing office building. The success of the project is testament to the hard work and vision of both the client and project team, and will enable De La Rue to continue to build on their proud history of innovation."


Products Behind Projects
Product Spotlight
News
Nokha Village Community Centre by Sanjay Puri Architects is an architectural oasis in the desert
18 Mar 2024 News
Nokha Village Community Centre by Sanjay Puri Architects is an architectural oasis in the desert

Mumbai-based Sanjay Puri Architects has completed the Nokha Village Community Centre, an architectur... More

Square and Tourist Office: Emerging finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024
15 Mar 2024 News
Square and Tourist Office: Emerging finalist in Mies van der Rohe Awards 2024

In this Archello series, we look at each of the seven nominated projects (five architecture finalist... More

25 best mosaic wall tile manufacturers
15 Mar 2024 Specification
25 best mosaic wall tile manufacturers

Mosaic wall tiles are produced in an enormous range of colors, shapes and finishes, and from a varie... More

Introducing Partner Motion Facades
15 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Motion Facades

Motion Facades specializes in supplying advanced facade systems for luxury real estate projects. Its... More

Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores join Archello Awards 2024 jury panel
15 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores join Archello Awards 2024 jury panel

Architects Bergendy Cooke, Grégoire Du Pasquier, Ruth Baleiko and Mathew Albores have been an... More

JSWD completes new office complex in Bonn unified by triangular facade elements
14 Mar 2024 News
JSWD completes new office complex in Bonn unified by triangular facade elements

International architectural firm JSWD has completed the Neuer Kanzlerplatz office complex in the cit... More

Archello Awards 2024 expands with 'Firm Awards'
14 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Archello Awards 2024 expands with 'Firm Awards'

Today Archello introduces a new set of Firm Awards categories to widen the scope of the Archello Awa... More

Studio Egret West develops plans for new Passivhaus homes
13 Mar 2024 News
Studio Egret West develops plans for new Passivhaus homes

London-based multidisciplinary architecture and design practice Studio Egret West has developed plan... More