The Clydeside Distillery
Location: Glasgow
Client: Morrison Glasgow Distillers
Size: 1500sqm
Value: £4.3 million
Status: Complete
The Clydeside Distillery is a single malt distillery and visitor experience on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow. Despite the city’s historic link to the development of Scotch Whisky as a global brand, it had no remaining malt distilleries or attractions to help educate visitors on its rich history.
The choice of site at the entrance to the Queen’s Dock was symbolic, the staging point from where Scotch Whisky was exported from Glasgow around the globe. The Pumphouse building, with its rich patina of age, provided an appropriate home for the visitor centre, bridging the past and helping to expose this important link.
The simple form of the new building respectfully contrasts with the rich detailing of the historic building, while a large glazed element gives a stage to the iconic stills and strengthens the relationship to the river. A lightweight two-storey linking structure forms an entrance and internal concourse. It is set back and expressed lightly to give separation to the two buildings and help orientate visitors as they traverse.
A simple palette of materials was selected for the distillery building. Dark zinc standing seam cladding was chosen due to its handcrafted finish and slate colour; timber was selected for its natural warmth and traditional role in whisky production. Both had the ability to complement the listed building.
The public realm was designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide clear, safe access to the riverside. The layout echoes the rail lines which once traversed the site while drawing from other contextual elements to create a strong sense of place.
Awards:
RIAS Building of the Year 2018 (shortlisted)
GIA Design Awards 2018 (commendation)
