According to the Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) office in London, England, the goal for the project was to use natural materials, including stone and wood. In order to meet the desired aesthetic, slate from Kirkstone Quarries of Ambleside, Cumbria, UK, was selected for various elements of the building.
The architects desired a dark green hard-wearing stone, which could be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. After visiting Kirkstone Quarries, Sea Green slate was selected. “The color is intended to match the verdure of the adjacent exterior courtyard garden and parkland,†said Kevin Flanagan, the Senior Associate Partner and Project Architect with KPF. “The flamed finish produced a ripple effect comparable to the adjacent water feature.â€