The Canal Turn - Island Quarter

The Canal Turn (also known as '1 The Island Quarter') is the first realised part of the mixed-use masterplan 'The Island Quarter', designed by Jestico + Whiles with executive architect CPMG Architects and Interior Designers Macaulay Sinclair. 

The urban-scale intervention will comprehensively cover an area of approximately 36 acres with the construction of a mixed-use tower and the restoration of three Grade II listed Victorian warehouses (important and special interest buildings). These phases will initiate a major regeneration just outside the centre of Nottingham in the area where the first Boots factory (a UK pharmaceutical company) was located, characterised by evidence of the city's industrial and manufacturing past, with the remains of Victorian railway stations and lines, as well as historic canals and waterways.

Jestico + Whiles' design for Canal Turn is inspired by the local architectural heritage, in particular the historic Lace Market and Nottingham Railway Station, designed in the mid 19th century by architect Thomas Chambers Hine. The lower parts of the main building and the stair tower are constructed using the Nottingham Patent Brick Company's red brick, while the upper levels of the main building use a differently textured brick. 

The façades have acquired a clear visual hierarchy, communicated through the consistency of the materials and the strong relationships between the different compositional elements. The lighting strategy devised by StudioFractal contributes to highlighting this hierarchy: Light Up Earth luminaires emit grazing light from below in the parts with brick, while rectangular Walky was used along the staircase. Arches are a repeated motif along the façade, forming window openings emphasised by the blade of light emitted by Trick luminaires. 

Within the space, Jestico + Whiles also introduced an open-air sculptural stage; the plaza connects the newly constructed elements to the riverfront, providing an accessible, step-free path to the towpath.

In the reception area of the Cleaver & Wake restaurant, we find Laser recessed luminaires, which we also find in the event space where they provide diffuse lighting that is then complemented by decorative pendants. In the bar and restaurant area, the same recessed luminaires are installed in a wooden false ceiling. 
In the other catering space operated by Binks Yard, the lighting is provided by Tecnica Evo track-mounted spotlights