STUDIO

SolidStateLogicNew Purpose - built, High -Tech ProductioiNew ProductionUnit OpensLateSeptember saw the completion of the new SSL productionunit at the company's Oxford headquarters. This purposedesigned building is now fully operational and accommodates thelatest in high -tech manufacturing and testing facilities.The new building is a lightweight 2- storey unit with a total floorarea of 3,800m2, It uses the very latest techniques in building servicetechnology and includes automatic, electronically controlled shadingsystems to create a pleasant and productive internal environment.The structure, which has already attracted considerable interestwithin the architectural community. has a square plan with a centralA Central atrium of the new production unit. providing naturallight to console frame wiring on ground floor.Iiftop -lit atrium. The building features full height tinted glass externalwalls to give a light and airy working environment.While the structure reflects the breaking down of the distinctionbetween conventional factory and office space, the design allows theinternal layout to be highly flexible. The interior can be rapidly reconfigured,as it features demountable glazed and solid partitioning,with a grid network of power, data and communications distributionfeeds. This allows the internal layout of the unit to be altered to suitchanging production and office space requirements. This is animportant consideration as the company's development programmetakes us into an extended product range and ever more advancedmanufacturing techniques.SSL has a tradition of commissioning highly individual, yet practicalTRE1RCRRECR' JOURNAL26 0210112R 1922 21 building designs. The formerRIBA PREPARES TOBITE THE BUDGETSOLID STATE FORHOPKINS LOGICheadquarters building atStonefield, with its distinctivesimilarity to a parish church, is anotable example which alsogained praise from architects. Thenew building continues thisinnovative tradition. Indeed. thenew Michael Hopkins designedproduction unit has alreadyfeatured in the internationallyrespected magazine The ArchitectsJournal, where a 17 page article waspublished in the October 1988edition.1b.A Computer Aided Design.A Cable Assembly.A Console Frames.A PCB DepartmentA Frame Wiring.A Console Test Cubicles.