Silverstone Experience, Northamptonshire

The Silverstone Experience stands as a bold architectural statement at the entrance to one of the world's most iconic racing circuits. This £22 million visitor attraction is more than a museum - it's a celebration of British motorsport heritage and a showcase of contemporary design thinking. The project involved the sensitive restoration of a historic RAF hangar, paired with a striking two-storey glass extension that redefines the arrival experience for thousands of visitors each year.

By integrating advanced aluminium glazing solutions, the design team achieved a seamless blend of old and new - preserving the character of the original structure while introducing a modern, light-filled space that reflects the dynamism of motorsport.

Bringing Light to a Historic Site

The architectural concept was driven by contrast. Inside the hangar, the exhibition is designed as a "black box", immersive and atmospheric, shielding visitors from external distractions. In contrast, the extension is open, transparent, and filled with daylight. Large format glass facades, supported with high-performance aluminium curtain walling, create elevations up to 2.8m high and 2 metres wide. These generous spans of glazing transform the entrance lobby into a bright, welcoming environment that frames panoramic views of the Silverstone circuit.

Natural light plays a critical role in shaping the visitor experience. By maximising daylight penetration, the design reduces reliance on artificial lighting and enhances visitor comfort, contributing to both aesthetic and environmental performance.

Balancing Visibility and Acoustic Comfort

Silverstone is synonymous with speed and sound. The proximity of high-performance racing events presented a unique acoustic challenge: how to maintain visual openness while controlling noise intrusion. The glazing specification achieves this balance through carefully engineered profiles and standard double-glazed units, delivering effective sound insulation without resorting to heavy acoustic glass. This approach preserves the architectural intent - uninterrupted views across the track - while ensuring that interior spaces remain comfortable and functional during race days.

Engineered for Performance

Beyond aesthetics, the extension demanded robust technical performance. The aluminium curtain walling and door systems were selected for their ability to withstand the exposed conditions of the site, delivering exceptional weather resistance, airtightness, and thermal efficiency. Slim sightlines maintain a clean architectural rhythm, while integrated thermal breaks enhance energy performance in line with modern building standards.

These systems exemplify the synergy between design flexibility and engineering reliability - qualities that are essential for public-facing buildings in high-profile locations.

Collaborative Delivery

The success of the Silverstone Experience was underpinned by collaboration. QG Architectural Aluminium, an experienced specialist with over three decades in the industry, managed the design, supply, and installation of the glazing package. TECHNAL provided technical guidance throughout, ensuring that every detail - from structural integrity to aesthetic alignment - met the project's demanding requirements.

This partnership approach reflects TECHNAL's commitment to supporting architects, contractors, and fabricators in delivering complex projects with confidence.

Sustainability Commitment

As part of Hydro, TECHNAL champions low-carbon innovation and circular design principles. Our aluminium systems are made with Hydro CIRCAL® 75R, made with at least 75% recycled post-consumer scrap. This approach significantly reduces embodied carbon, supporting architects and developers in meeting sustainability targets without compromising on design or performance.

By choosing TECHNAL, specifier contribute to a more sustainable built environment - helping the industry move closer to net-zero carbon goals.