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Overview
The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is a landmark research facility dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of rare childhood diseases and cancers. Located in central London, the building was designed to bring world-class scientists, clinicians, and researchers together in a purpose-built facility where cutting-edge research can take place alongside clinical collaboration.
One of the architectural goals of the project was to make scientific research more visible and accessible to the public. Rather than hiding laboratory work behind closed doors, the building was designed so that visitors and pedestrians could view research activity taking place within the laboratories.
To achieve this, the building required innovative structural glazing systems and specialist façade installations that would allow clear views into the research spaces while maintaining safety, structural integrity, and building performance.
Structura was appointed to design and install several complex façade and architectural elements, including structural glazing systems, bespoke architectural panelling, and integrated fire exit door systems within the building envelope.
The project required precision engineering and careful installation due to the building’s unusual configuration, challenging access conditions, and the need to maintain strict safety standards within a hospital environment.
The completed Zayed Centre has since been recognised internationally, winning both the RIBA London Award 2021 and the RIBA National Award 2021, demonstrating the architectural and technical success of the building.
Details
Location:
Guilford St, London
Architect:
Stanton Williams
Main Contractor:
Skanska
Cladding Consultant:
Cladtech Associates Ltd
The Challenge
Designing façade systems for healthcare and research facilities presents unique technical challenges. In addition to structural and environmental requirements, installations must also meet strict safety standards while supporting the architectural vision of the building. For the Zayed Centre project, several key challenges needed to be addressed.
Creating Public Visibility into Research Laboratories
One of the most distinctive features of the building was the desire to allow the public to view the work of scientists from outside the building. The architectural concept required structural glazing panels that would enable pedestrians to look down into laboratories located on the lower ground floor. Unlike traditional building designs, there was no conventional ground floor level separating the public realm from the laboratory space below. This meant that the glazing systems had to be installed in a way that would provide clear visibility while maintaining structural stability and safety. Delivering this combination of visibility, safety, and structural performance required specialist glazing expertise. The glazing panels needed to perform multiple roles:
- Provide structural stability within the façade system
- Allow unobstructed views into the research laboratories
- Maintain weatherproofing and environmental performance
- Integrate seamlessly with the building’s architectural design
Complex Installation Conditions
The unique layout of the building also created complex installation challenges. Because the laboratories were located on the lower ground floor, installation of the glazing systems had to be carried out from access equipment positioned at that lower level. This meant the installation team needed to work from Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) positioned below the façade line. Installing large structural glass panels in these conditions required precise coordination and careful handling procedures. Access constraints also required the use of specialist lifting equipment, including vacuum lifting machines, to safely manoeuvre and position the glazing panels during installation.
Integrating Multiple Architectural Elements
Beyond the structural glazing systems, the project also required several additional façade and architectural components to be integrated into the building envelope. These included fire exit doors positioned within louvre screens along the building’s side and rear elevations, additional glazing installations along other elevations, and bespoke architectural panelling surrounding the entrance areas. Each of these elements needed to be carefully designed to align with the architectural vision of the building while maintaining compliance with safety and performance requirements.
Delivering Bespoke Architectural Features
The building’s design included intricate metal panel systems forming a distinctive visual feature along one of the building elevations. These panels were not standard façade components. Instead, they consisted of multiple individually fabricated aluminium pieces, each made to precise dimensions. Manufacturing and installing these panels required careful planning and precision workmanship to ensure the finished façade met the design expectations of the architectural team.
Structura’s Solution
Structura delivered a comprehensive façade engineering solution that combined structural glazing, bespoke fabrication, and specialist installation techniques. The approach focused on precision, safety, and close coordination with the project’s architectural vision.
Structural Glazing Installation
One of the most technically demanding aspects of the project was the installation of the Vision glass panels along the front and side elevations of the building. These panels were designed to allow pedestrians and visitors to look directly into the laboratory spaces below, creating a unique architectural feature that connects the public with the research activity taking place inside the facility. Installation involved lifting each glass panel into position using specialist vacuum lifting equipment. Once positioned, the panels were temporarily secured using stitch plates to hold them in place.
The glass panels were then structurally bonded, ensuring a secure and durable installation that would maintain the structural integrity of the façade system. Because of the unusual building layout, installation teams used scissor lifts and MEWPs to access both the interior and exterior faces of the glazing system. Externally, the installation process took place from the pavement level using access equipment designed to safely manoeuvre the large glazing panels into place. This method allowed Structura’s team to complete the installation with precision while maintaining safe working conditions.
Entrance Bridge Architectural Integration
The building’s entrance includes a link bridge leading to the main reception area, which required additional architectural detailing. Structura designed and installed bespoke panelling and architectural soffits around the two automatic doors connecting the reception area to the entrance bridge. These architectural elements were designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding façade while maintaining durability and long-term performance.
Fire Exit Door Systems
Fire safety is a critical requirement for hospital environments. As part of the façade works, Structura designed and installed several fire exit door systems integrated within the building’s louvre screens. These systems were positioned along the side and rear elevations of the building and were designed to maintain the visual consistency of the façade while providing safe emergency access routes. The integration of these fire exit systems required careful coordination to ensure they met regulatory safety standards while maintaining the architectural appearance of the façade.
Bespoke Aluminium Architectural Panels
One of the most visually distinctive elements of the project was the installation of bespoke aluminium panels along the building’s side elevation. These panels were composed of multiple individually fabricated aluminium pieces, each manufactured to precise measurements.
To achieve the required level of precision, Structura established a dedicated on-site workshop area where the panels could be fabricated and adjusted as needed. Each piece was carefully installed to create a unique façade pattern that enhances the visual character of the building. The result is an eye-catching architectural feature that contributes to the overall identity of the Zayed Centre.
Project Results
The completed façade installations at the Zayed Centre deliver both functional and architectural benefits. By combining innovative glazing systems with bespoke façade components, the project successfully met its technical, safety, and design objectives.
Improved Building Performance
The new glazing systems installed as part of the project contribute to improved building performance by enhancing both energy efficiency and structural reliability. Upgraded glazing systems provide improved thermal performance and durability compared to older glazing technologies. In addition, the integration of modern fire exit door systems enhances the safety and functionality of the building. These improvements support the long-term operation of the research facility while maintaining strict safety standards required for healthcare environments.
Public Engagement with Scientific Research
One of the most innovative outcomes of the project is the ability for the public to view research activities taking place inside the building. The structural glazing panels installed along the front and side elevations allow visitors and pedestrians to look down into the lower ground floor laboratories. This architectural feature creates a direct visual connection between the public and the scientific research taking place within the facility. By opening previously inaccessible areas to public view, the building provides a unique opportunity for people to see the important work being carried out by researchers studying rare childhood diseases and cancer.
Architectural Recognition
The Zayed Centre’s design has been widely recognised within the architectural community. The project received both the RIBA London Award 2021 and the RIBA National Award 2021, acknowledging the innovative design and successful execution of the building. These awards highlight the importance of collaboration between architects, engineers, and specialist contractors in delivering complex architectural projects.
Successful Delivery of Complex Façade Works
Despite the challenging installation conditions and the technical complexity of the façade systems, the project was successfully delivered. Structura’s expertise in structural glazing, bespoke fabrication, and façade installation played a key role in achieving the final result. The completed building stands as an example of how innovative glazing systems and architectural engineering can contribute to both the functionality and public engagement of modern research facilities.
Awards
RIBA UK Awards 2021
London Award Winner
National Award Winner