The storage cooling system is a sophisticated design that provides the requisite -5°C with 35% relative humidity. The structure is composed of six large acetate cells down the centre of the building, bordered by 30 smaller nitrate cells. The store is highly insulated (0.1W/m²k) and air-tight (0.3m³/hr@50pa) in order to sustain the internal environment using minimal energy. The building will achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.
"The BFI's new Master Film Store has radically improved the conditions in which a large portion of the Nation's Film Collection is stored and will preserve this vital part of our shared cultural heritage for years to come. In meeting the extraordinary and challenging design brief, the team has created a sophisticated and sustainable building...The Master Film Store has set a new benchmark for safe and sustainable storage within the international film archiving community."
Sarah-Jane Lucas, Head of Strategic Projects, BFI, January 2012
AWARDS
sustain' Magazine Award for Design & Architecture (2013)
BCI Awards Building Project of the Year (£3m to £50m) - Highly Commended (2012)
RIBA Award and Regional Building of the Year (2012)
AIA UK Excellence in Design Award Commendation (2012)
Building Awards Project of the Year Finalist (2012)
RICS Awards - Design & Innovation Award Finalist (2012)
TEAM
Contractor: Gilbert Ash
Structural Engineer: Curtins Consulting
M&E Engineer: Couch Perry Wilkes
Cost Consultant: WH Stephens
Project Manager: Buro Four
Film Conservation Advisor: João de Oliveira, PresTech
FURTHER INFO
>> 'Inside the BFI's new film storage facility' BBC film
>> Animation showing how the building is put together and how it works
