Lots of planning went into supporting the increased production levels and the need for a 50% growth in product transported by rail. We also need to demolish the existing plant with minimum interruption to production.

Early on we decided that the new headquarters should be a real talking point for Lafarge, so we proposed a building that, as far as was possible, used their product. Now, everything that can uses the Lafarge product - even the reception desk - a polished, green-dyed concrete work of art and a demonstration of the possibilities with new concrete technology. All floors and walls are made entirely from concrete.

The control room is positioned at the centre of the building, as a ‘hub'. Visible from much of the site, it gives the feel of constant industry and movement.

The project is a marriage of form and function, one of the most important considerations being the impact on the surrounding Peaks, which we worked hard to minimise.