Architecture

Mirror-like facade shields Dyson's secret projects from prying eyes

Mirror-like facade shields Dyson's secret projects from prying eyes
The R&D building aims to hide Dyson's upcoming inventions from prying eyes with a facade of highly-reflective glazed panels
The R&D building aims to hide Dyson's upcoming inventions from prying eyes with a facade of highly-reflective glazed panels
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The R&D building aims to hide Dyson's upcoming inventions from prying eyes with a facade of highly-reflective glazed panels
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The R&D building aims to hide Dyson's upcoming inventions from prying eyes with a facade of highly-reflective glazed panels
Naturally, lighting throughout D9 is provided by Dyson
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Naturally, lighting throughout D9 is provided by Dyson
The lighting comprises Dyson Lighting’s Cu-Beam suspended lights and CSYS task lights, which have a rated life of up to 180,000 hours
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The lighting comprises Dyson Lighting’s Cu-Beam suspended lights and CSYS task lights, which have a rated life of up to 180,000 hours
In contrast to D9, the sports center and café are more open
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In contrast to D9, the sports center and café are more open
Inside the sports center
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Inside the sports center
Extensive landscaping throughout the campus is designed to add yet more privacy
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Extensive landscaping throughout the campus is designed to add yet more privacy
Highly-reflective glazed panels are installed to help protect Dyson's new projects from prying eyes
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Highly-reflective glazed panels are installed to help protect Dyson's new projects from prying eyes
Inside the café
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Inside the café
The café showcases James Dyson's own English Electric Lightning Jet, hung from the ceiling
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The café showcases James Dyson's own  English Electric Lightning Jet, hung from the ceiling
Inside the café
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Inside the café
The firm's existing HQ (also designed by WilkinsonEyre) and factory were also given an extensive overhaul
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The firm's existing HQ (also designed by WilkinsonEyre) and factory were also given an extensive overhaul
Extensive landscaping is designed to add privacy and there's also a nature walk that surrounds the site
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Extensive landscaping is designed to add privacy and there's also a nature walk that surrounds the site
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WilkinsonEyre has completed a £250 million (US$330 million) renovation and expansion of Dyson's headquarters in England. Aiming to bring something of the wow-factor of Silicon Valley digs like Samsung's to Wiltshire, the firm has also focused on boosting its privacy and green credentials.

The project involved overhauling Dyson's existing HQ at the site (also previously designed by WilkinsonEyre) and factory, in addition to constructing several new buildings: a new R&D building, cafe, and a sports and leisure facility for Dyson employees.

The R&D building is the most interesting. Dubbed D9, it hides Dyson's upcoming inventions from prying eyes with a facade of highly-reflective glazed panels. While impossible to see inside, those inside still have the benefit of natural light and views.

The lighting throughout is by Dyson and includes its Cu-Beam suspended lights and CSYS task lights, which are rated for up to 180,000 hours of use. A roof-mounted solar panel array reduces the building's grid-based electricity needs and an active chilled beam (a kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning unit) is used to bring fresh cooling air inside.

The café showcases James Dyson's own English Electric Lightning Jet, hung from the ceiling
The café showcases James Dyson's own  English Electric Lightning Jet, hung from the ceiling

In contrast to D9, the Lightning Café is more open. It features standard glazing and double-height spaces, with James Dyson's personal English Electric Lightning Jet, hanging from the ceiling. This is the centerpiece of a collection of engineering icons scattered throughout the site that's meant to inspire Dyson employees while they eat their meals.

The Hangar, meanwhile, is a multi-purpose sports center for employees that includes soccer, basketball, tennis, and badminton facilities, as well as a fitness suite.

Extensive landscaping throughout the campus is also designed to add more privacy, and there's also a nature walk that surrounds the perimeter.

Source: WilkinsonEyre

View gallery - 12 images
2 comments
2 comments
boby7
The illusion of invisibility will be a deathtrap for birds.
tapasmonkey
That would be Dyson, the "proud" Brexiter who moved his production to Malaysia because he loves his country so much. The reflective glass may be to hide the middle finger he's sticking up to us all.