Credit: Darling Associates Architects
Part of a series on the use of Cork for acoustics.
As designers and architects look for more sustainable ways to improve interior acoustics, cork is becoming an increasingly interesting material choice – natural, renewable and visually distinctive.
At the new Welcome Building in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, this is demonstrated beautifully in the main atrium, where Gencork’s ‘Corkwhirl’ wall coverings bring texture, warmth and acoustic performance to a contemporary workspace.
Credit: Darling Associates Architects
The Welcome Building is a ‘net-zero’ 292,000 sq. ft multi-occupier office development that opened in 2025 in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. Designed by Darling Associates Architects, the building is a short walk from Bristol Temple Meads station.
It offers a flexible high-quality working environment, contributes to the regeneration of the area and provides amenity spaces for both occupiers and the wider community.
Credit: Darling Associates Architects
Credit: Darling Associates Architects
Credit: Darling Associates Architects
The Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration project is still in progress but already, it is being hailed as a success.
The Enterprise Zone claims to have attracted significant business investment from creative, digital and green industries with almost 400 firms having moved into the area and to have already created more than 4000 jobs.
Improvements to local transport links and accessibility have helped connect Temple Quarter more closely with the wider city. Its focus on green infrastructure and energy-efficient construction is also strengthening Bristol’s reputation as a leading green city.
A close-up of ‘Corkwhirl’. Credit: Gencork
A feature in the main atrium are the ‘Corkwhirl’ wall coverings from Gencork.
‘Corkwhirl’ is one of a range of Insulation Cork Board designs made by Gencork from 100% natural, recyclable, and sustainable expanded cork.
This design is inspired by nature and influenced by the beauty of biology, mathematics, geometry and biomimetic systems where swirling vortexes introduce a variety of curves, each uniquely aligned. This interaction of form, motion, and texture transforms the space into a harmonious whole.
‘Corkwhirl’ is one of several eye catching designs of insulation cork wall tile coverings available in sizes: 100cm x 50cm x10cm thickness to give effective thermal insulation and immediate acoustic effects.
Gencork’s cork process, from raw material through to the finished natural block:
Further information at gencork.com/corklllection/corkwirl.
#CorkAcoustics #SustainableInteriors #BiophilicDesign
