The Cutty Sark is the last surviving tea clipper vessel. Her remarkable story is evidence of the importance of sea-trade to the UK and to the growth of London as the world’s pre-eminent port and trading centre. Built as a tea clipper, where speed to market was critical, it is the combination of sail and hull form which gave Cutty Sark her edge.
The dry berth was created in the 1950s, and purpose built in mass concrete to house the vessel when she was brought to Greenwich from Shadwell Basin. The ship was floated down the Thames, and manoeuvred into the berth before the end was sealed and the water drained to allow her to rest on the berth’s floor.
Steven Scrivens
Cradled by a supporting structure, the elevated ship now allows visitors the striking experience of walking beneath the composite construction of the gleaming copper-clad hull, while also giving access to the original interior of the cargo-carrying vessel. Enclosed by a glazed canopy that reaches to the ship’s waterline, the project’s fully accessible interior space includes an educational and events platform, a café and visitor amenities.
See also this article: A glass holiday home on the water
Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral (SN) 40/23 was chosen for the fully glazed facade of the museum, which was designed by Grimshaw Architects and realised by facade construction company seele. Guardian’s SunGuard SN 40/23 combines high natural light transmission while providing energy savings’ possibility through solar protection and thermal insulation. With a neutral transmitted and reflected colour, the glass has a sophisticated appearance that is ideal for fully glazed facades and which helps to keep visitors comfortable all year round.
