An architectural surprise in Liverpool.....
In the heart of Liverpool, a city steeped in history and culture, one can stumble upon architectural treasures that tell tales of innovation and progress. On a leisurely visit to this vibrant city, my attention was drawn to a building on Water Street that had an unusual aesthetic for a mid-Victorian era structure.
I may have stumbled across this in architecture lectures years ago as after a little research it turned out to be Oriel Chambers, a pioneering landmark that stands as the world's first building to embrace the revolutionary combination of a steel frame and curtain walling.
The distinctive feature that caught my eye was its 'light' façade, an anomaly in the context of its historical setting. In an era dominated by heavy masonry and traditional architectural styles, Oriel Chambers was a visionary departure from the norm. Designed by the architect Peter Ellis, the building was completed in 1864.
Oriel Chambers, Liverpool
16 Cook Street, Liverpool
Oriel Chambers is unique in its innovative use of a cast iron frame and glass curtain wall—an architectural breakthrough that heralded a new era in construction methodology. The implementation of a lightweight steel frame not only defied the structural conventions of the time but also paved the way for a more open and illuminated interior. The extensive use of glass in the curtain walling allowed for larger windows, inviting an abundance of natural light into the building—a stark departure from the dimly lit interiors characteristic of mid-Victorian structures.
The significance of Oriel Chambers extends beyond its immediate visual impact. It serves as a precursor to the modern skyscraper. The American John Wellborn Root studied in Liverpool ( as a way of avoiding the Civil War) and subsequently took these ideas across the Atlantic, these are evident in his practice's ( Burnham & Root) tall buildings of this era. The building stands as a testament to the Victorian's embracing experimentation and innovation.
On further investigation, I discovered 16 Cook Street, Liverpool, with the same architect and construction methods. Also, worth a visit!
David Ramsden
Director