The Quarterhouse is a home for performing arts and offers a creative hub for businesses and the public alike. It formed the start of Folkestone’s masterplan, bringing a new sense of identity to the community.
This project was inspired by the local seashore of Folkestone. The architects' intention was to convey the fragility and translucency of scallop shells with the building façade that represented Folkestone’s seaside heritage in a contemporary, sculptural manner.
The building envelope has been fabricated from 'Meshtec Ambasciata' and finished in a polyester powder coat (RAL 9010). The mesh panels were curved to create the vertical cylinders that clad the building. The curvature of the mesh was achieved by hand bending each panel around a barrel.
Alison Brooks commented: "Cadisch MDA expanded aluminium mesh is malleable so it was a perfect material to form the array of vertical flutes that envelope the Quarterhouse. When lit from behind, the mesh has an inherent translucency - it combines fragility and robustness. Using this dual nature of the material and combining it with curvature and light, we were able to create a quite magical effect: I like to think of Quarterhouse as architecture in celebration of a creative community"
MeshTEC® expanded metal is one of the most versatile products in the Cadisch MDA range, offering durable transparency with high airflow and easy installation.