Engaging the public with lifesaving research through innovative glazing
PURPOSE OF THE WORK:
The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) required new structural glazing on the ground floor laboratories, several fire exit doors and bespoke architectural panel work.
WHAT WE DELIVERED:
This new build provides vital research into cancer and rare childhood diseases. The innovative idea for this project is that visitors and pedestrians can look down into the laboratory on the lower ground floor to see scientists at work. This means there was no actual ground floor level and works had to be undertaken off MEWP’s positioned on the lower ground level. This made installation of the Vision glass on front and side elevations of the building particularly challenging to install with the use of a scissor lift to reach the internal face. Externally from the pavement, access equipment with a vacuum lifting machine were enlisted to carry out installation. Each panel of glass was lifted into place, held in place while a team member installed temporary stitch plates, then structurally bonded the glass.
On the corner of the building lies a link bridge entrance leading to the main reception area. Structura designed and installed panelling and architectural soffits for the two automatic doors linking reception to the entrance. In addition, several fire exit doors were designed and installed within louvre screens along the side and rear, as well as further glazing along the other side elevation.
As part of the architect’s vision, intricate metal panels consisting of several different-sized pieces aluminium were individually made-to-measure and fitted via the on-site specially made workshop area. The results are truly unique and an eye-catching addition to the building’s side elevation.
The project was a winner of both a RIBA London Award 2021 and RIBA National Award 2021. A testament to the beauty and clever functionality to this life saving building and is another example of how architects work to design engaging spaces which transcend the normal.
BENEFITS:
- New glazing provides better energy efficiency and fire exit doors all upgraded
- Opens up previously inaccessible areas to public view creates an opportunity to show the incredible research being done on a daily basis
PROJECT
Great Ormond Street Hospital - Zayed Centre
ARCHITECT
Stanton Williams
CLIENT
Skanska
LOCATION
London