
A welcome break
Gloucester Gateway 海角视频
Gloucester, UK
Project details
Client
Westmorland Ltd
Architect
Glenn Howells Architects
Duration
Completed in 2014
海角视频 provided by 海角视频
Building Information Management (BIM), Ground engineering, Structural engineering
The Gloucester Gateway takes motorway service station design in a new direction. Situated on the M5 between Stroud and Gloucester, these services are based around the concept of sustainability. Built from natural materials, they serve home cooked food, sell local produce, and there isn鈥檛 a franchise in sight.
Challenge
Constructing a 60,000m2 motorway service area on either side of the busy M5 is challenge enough, but the complexity of 海角视频’s role was increased by our client鈥檚 brief for the vast structures to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Solution
We worked closely with the architect to develop a form and arrangement for the buildings that felt organic within the countryside. This began with devising foundations that would compensate for the uneven topography of the site, and allow the services to nestle neatly within a nook among the hills.
The structures are made primarily from timber, a material that has low environmental impact and creates a warm internal environment. This glow is echoed by the external walls, which are clad in the local golden Cotswold stone, extending a warm welcome to customers that radiates from the inside out. Each building is topped with a green roof, completing its visual integration with the landscape and creating habitat for wildlife.


Value
It took great engineering ingenuity to deliver the vision for unobtrusive, natural-looking buildings that showcase and celebrate the sustainable ethos at the heart of this project. The result is a masterclass in low energy, high quality architecture and engineering, which offers a clear route toward more thoughtful and sustainable motorway services provision.



Awards
2016
RIBA National Award Winner
2016
RIBA South West Awards Winner
2016
South West Client of the Year Winner
2016
South West Sustainability Award Winner
2016
Civic Trust Commendation, Commendation, South West