Markham Moor Scorer Building edit
| Markham Moor Scorer Building | |
|---|---|
 The building as a Little Chef in 2006 | |
| Alternative names | Markham Moor Petrol Station
Markham Moor Hypar Markham Moor Papilo |
| General information | |
| Location | Markham Moor junction services |
| Owner | Starbucks |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Sam Scorer |
| Known for | Hyperbolic Paraboloid roof shape |
The building designed by Sam Scorer at Markham Moor services (sometimes known as the Markham Moor Petrol Station, Markham Moor Hypar or Markham Moor Papilo) is a Grade II listed building originally designed as a petrol station. It is located on the A1 south-bound at the Markham Moor junction services and was built between 1959 and 1960 with the aid of engineer Dr Kalman Hajnal-Kónyi. It is currently a Starbucks.[1][2][3]
Design edit
Designed by Lincoln-based architect Sam Scorer, the structure was originally built as the hyperbolic paraboloid canopy only - to serve as a petrol station - without the rest of the building underneath, which was a later addition. The petrol station was one of a series of buildings designed by Scorer to include hyperbolic structures. These structures (sometimes known as "Hypars") were experimental structures with the thought in mind of making them appear "light" or "hovering", and in this case, a show of engineering efficiency, as the concrete roof structure is 75mm thick.[1]
The canterlever canopy is constructed using a shell concrete structure which forms a continuous plane developed from 2 parabolas inverted relative to each other at right angles. The canopy thus acts as 2 systems of arches with one set of arches under compression, and the other under tension.[1]
History edit
Ownership edit
Petrol station edit
The building was originally designed and built as a petrol station; it was operated by National Benzole from 1960 until it was taken over by Little Chef in 1989. While the canopy was designed as an architectural curiosity, it was also designed to catch the eye of a motorist, giving them plenty of time to pull into the petrol station.[3]
Little Chef edit
In 1989 the structure was converted to a Little Chef restaurant, and the building beneath the canopy was built. In 2003 the Highways Agency proposed plans for a flyover which would involve the demolition of the Little Chef, however the plans were later revised.[1][4] The Little Chef on this site closed in 2012.[1]
Interim years edit
The building was abandoned between 2012 and 2019. In 2012 - shortly after the Little Chef restaurant closed - Historic England awarded the building Grade II listed status.
Starbucks edit
In 2019 the site was taken over by Starbucks where the building and roof were rennovated and converted into a drive-through.
Threat of Demolition edit
In 2003 the Highways Agency proposed a junction improvement which would involve construction of a flyover requiring the demolition of the building.[4] However, after many objections from the residents of nearby Elkesly and those interested in the welfare of the building the plans were revised, including improved access to the site.[1][5]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f https://openartsjournal.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/oaj_issue2_szynalska_final.pdf
- ^ "Canopy to former petrol station, Markham Moor, West Drayton - 1402678 | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- ^ a b Wilkinson, Philip (2020-06-21). "English Buildings: Markham Moor, Nottinghamshire". English Buildings. Retrieved 2022-09-04.
- ^ a b "Preservation bid for innovative 1950s motorway cafe". the Guardian. 2004-01-05. Retrieved 2022-09-05.
- ^ "Public inquiry into A1 proposals". 2006-05-02. Retrieved 2022-09-05.