"research and development"

The Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center will provide critical space for scientists researching cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and other critical areas of study. The Perkins+Will design features a curved glass exterior with flexible floor plans for laboratories. The tower profile references and updates the soaring traditional Gothic buildings on Northwestern’s Chicago campus, presenting a striking profile on the city’s skyline and leading the way for future campus development.

Project Name: AMRC - Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North WestLocation: Samlesbury, LancashireMain Contractor: Cartwright PickardCompletion Date: 2021Total Cost: £11mServices Provided: RIBA stages 1-6, Architectural DesignAwards Received:Finalist in BCO Northern AwardsBest Commercial Development in the North West at RICS AwardShortlisted for Project of the Year at Construction News AwardsLancashire Project of the Year at North West Construction AwardsSystem Supplied: Bespoke Fabrications, LandMark I, SnapLok Capping, Soffits, Window LinersFusion Facades, along with AMS Cladding Limited and the supply chain, provided a high-quality facade for the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC) project. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Fusion Facades was able to adapt and deliver exceptional service.The AMRC is located at the entrance to the Samlesbury Aerospace Enterprise Zone and features a modern workspace with a flexible high-tech workshop. To blend the 48,000 sqft building into the rural surroundings, lightweight bronze metal cladding was used over a landscaped bund.As a flagship research centre for advanced manufacturing, the AMRC had to meet the highest environmental standards. The office and seminar rooms feature horizontal glazing slots with projecting cappings and perimeter framing for passive solar shading. Reflective solid panels are used within the curtain walls to reduce solar gain while retaining the articulated openings that distinguish the office and seminar rooms from a nearby main road.A neutral colour was chosen to catch the warm tones of the morning and evening light while subtly defining the different internal uses. To break down the mass, junctions between the sheets are articulated with bronze fins denoting where the structural grid occurs internally.Overall, the AMRC project has received numerous accolades and is a testament to the outstanding work done by Fusion Facades and their partners in delivering a high-quality, environmentally sustainable research facility.

ChallengeBREEAM ‘excellent’ was a key requirement for this project. As a European centre for bioenergy research, Aston University was keen to maintain the sustainable ethos of EBRI within the building itself and make improvements wherever they could be accommodated.SolutionKnauf Insulation worked closely with Associated Architects to specify the correct rainscreen insulation product to meet the necessary requirements.The insulation layer is a fundamental component of any successful rainscreen cladding system and rock mineral wool insulation delivers a number of advantages in this type of application. Knauf Insulation’s Rocksilk® RainScreen HD Slab in a bespoke 120mm size was ideal for the project, delivering exceptional thermal, fire and acoustic performance.Insulation was specified with the help of Knauf Insulation’s regional specification manager Marc Lawson and Technical Advice and Support Centre (TASC). To successfully mitigate the differing dimensions of the constituent elements of glass channel, blockwork substrate and insulation, a smaller than standard slab size was specified, allowing for the edge of the slabs to align behind the joints in the glazed façade, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.The early involvement of the regional specification manager in the project and their relationship with the architects and client at the concept stage, made for a very smooth delivery and ensured the required U-value of 0.22W/m2K would be achieved without the need to re-design elements later in the project.Knauf Insulation’s Rock Mineral Wool products deliver exceptional environmental performance and are manufactured using the innovative ECOSE® Technology - a revolutionary, bio-based, formaldehyde free binder technology that is based on rapidly renewable materials, rather than petro- based chemicals. This was a key reason to the insulation being specified for this exceptionally sustainable project."Sustainability is at the very heart of all we do at Aston University. We are delighted with the results: an iconic building that conducts sustainable research in a truly sustainable environment." Alan Charters, Executive Director of Capital Development at Aston University

Mead Johnson is a world leader in infant nutrition, with more than 70 products in over 50 countries. Their new US$325 million facility in Singapore includes a state of the art manufacturing plant, research and development centre and a new regional office.

A large expanse of Junckers’ Nordic Oak flooring forms part of a new archive and research facility in Cornwall. Designed by Purcell, the landmark development comprises public search, exhibition, education and workshop spaces. Based on historic records, many of the original buildings’ remaining structures were restored. For the floor, the original granite flagstones were lifted and re-laid, installed alongside Junckers’ solid 185mm wide Oak Boulevard flooring in a white-pigmented Nordic finish. Junckers 20.5mm thick solid wood floor can be sanded and refinished up to ten times. A long lifespan, PEFC + FSC certified and produced in a CO2 positive facility, means specifying a Junckers floor is an environmentally sound option. The flooring contractor was Tre Concepts. 

Genzyme, a Sanofi Company, based in Massachusetts is a world-leading Biotech company. Focusing on transformative therapies, Genzyme’s goal is to create treatments for rare diseases and make people’s lives better. Research and development efforts span a range of medical areas, including genetic disease, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune-mediated disease and transplantation.

For a team who work incredibly hard to find better treatments for kidney disease, a refurbishment of the Kidney Research UK’s office had to be designed with staff wellbeing in mind, the Zip Water team were on hand to help complete the final office refresh.

Designed by Wilson Mason Architects, the ManchesterCancer Research Centre (MCRC) is a state of the artresearch facility, home to 150 researchers.The iconic public facing facility has been designed withan integrated environmental approach. With featuressuch as 85% natural ventilation and rainwater harvesting,the project has earned an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating.Allgood were asked to supply an ironmongerypackage that could reflect the sustainable approach,whilst catering for the building’s high performancerequirements.With the MCRC being a partnership between TheChristie, Cancer Research UK and the Universityof Manchester, there is frequent traffic of users. Itwas therefore imperative that Allgood supplied anironmongery package that would perform to the higheststandard. The package was delivered in a co-ordinatedstainless steel finish to match the clean aesthetic ofthe building’s interior. In addition, Modric lever and pullhandles were fitted on the internal doors, providing adurable and high quality product that provides a ten yearwarranty.All of the stainless steel door fittings supplied aremanufactured from 62% recycled materials, of which95% can be recycled at the end of the products life.Manufactured in our factory in Birmingham, the Modricproducts supplied enabled lower carbon emissionsthrough a shorter supply chain, contributing to the‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating of the building.

The Science Village at Chesterford Research Park is a thriving scientific community, home to ultra-modern and energy-efficient laboratory and office space within the attractive setting of open parkland, an arboretum and lakes.Vehicular circulation, parking and pedestrian circulation were important to the scheme and formed the main body of the external works.The architect Davis Landscape Architecture selected a number of Marshalls’ flag and block paving products for the scheme - Saxon and Keyblok.The hard landscaping perfectly complements the state-of the- art facilities but doesn’t detract from the beauty of the landscape with a carefully selected palette of materials and colours.

At a groundbreaking research facility, a single worktop solution covers the whole spectrumAs the fourth oldest university in the UK, the university of Glasgow, founded in 1451, has a long tradition of fostering the talents of scientists and scholars across many disciplines. It has been home to seven nobel laureates as well as world-famous luminaries, including the physicist lord kelvin and adam smith, one of the founding fathers of modern economics. With the arc, its advanced research centre, the university is addressing the research challenges of the 21st century by opening unprecedented, cross-disciplinary perspectives to world-leading scientists. Andrew Tobin, professor of molecular pharmacology and the arc’s founding director, brings it to the point: “the arc, and the principles behind it, have been a long-term goal of the university. As a name, it encompasses our vision to conduct collaborative, out-of-reach research that has real societal impact. It is so much more than a building. We want to take a shared vision and expertise from across all areas of the university community to genuinely transform the way we do research, with the ultimate aim of changing the lives of the people, community and world around us.”

Bad acoustic design is not just annoying, but also unhealthy. This is particularly true for elderly residents in nursing homes. Scientist Nicole van Hout conducts research into acoustics in care of the elderly.

Project case study: HiLo research and innovation unit Dübendorf, SwitzerlandClent: Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA) Photos: © Roman Keller

A contemporary hard landscaping solution was required at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield and Tobermore’s Mayfair Flags and Step Flags provided the ideal finish.

Heriot Watt is shaping the future with its new Global Research, Innovation and Development building.

An air filtration specialist bags a neat £80K tax benefit for their Research & Development efforts

The car park at Syngenta’s research centre at Jealotts Hill to the north of Bracknell needed resurfacing. The new car park surface needed to be durable enough to cope with frequent HGV traffic and deliver a lasting, low maintenance solution.As expected, ULTIPHALT HD was installed quickly, within the client’s schedule and the car park was marked-up and re-opened just 12 hours after the asphalt was laid. The speed of the work meant no disruption to Sygenta’s daily operations, employees or customers. The proven durability of ULTIPHALT HD will also help to minimise future maintenance requirements and associated costs.

Gypsum Fibreboard partitioning by specialist building panel manufacturer fermacell® was specified for a redeveloped research facility for a quadruplet of reasons at least, its fire and acoustic properties, robustness and weight bearing capabilities to name just a few.

The National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) is a partnershipbetween Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), at the Universityof Warwick, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors UK. Based in theProfessor Lord Bhattacharyya Building, at the University of Warwick,the Centre is the largest automotive research facility of its kind inEurope.Cullinan Studios were appointed as architects to create a buildingthat would take inspiration from the natural world, while alsooperating as a cutting-edge, collaborative automotive research anddevelopment space. Allgood was brought into the project with abrief to complement the high-quality interior with stylish and durablearchitectural ironmongery and hardware.From the design phase, Allgood worked with the architects tostrike the balance between aesthetics and function. To meet thesedemands, Modric was specified throughout. With its timeless,elegant design, and crafted from premium solid grade 316 stainlesssteel, Modric provided the style and substance required. The rangealso comes with an industry-leading 25-year mechanical warranty forfurther reassurance.Three hundred Modric lever handles and over one hundred Modepull handles were fitted throughout the building. Allgood Securealso designed and installed a complete access control and doorautomation system, ensuring a secure, efficient, and practicalworkplace.

Over 200 linear metres of Q-railing's Easy Glass Slim full glass balustrade feature in this high-tech spectrometry research centre. This is one of the sleekest and most affordable systems in Q-railing’s range of minimalist glass balustrade systems. 175 metres of structural glass railing were installed to the atrium, and a further 25 metres were used on the two staircases leading up to the atrium level. Q-railing was selected for the high quality finish and ease of assembly, which speeds up installation while able to achieve the loadings required.

PROJECTWith the UK market for high specification homes in desirable locations continuing to grow this year, Abode was the natural choice to supply the prestigious Limsi Grove Cala Homes development in Hertford. Designed to cater for the executive market, 41 exceptional 3,4 and 5 bedroomed detached family homes have been meticulously designed to complement a conservation area and provide the best in town and country living, offering modernity and low maintenance. With properties on the market at £834,950-£1,359,950, choosing the best suppliers was key.  PRODUCTSTwo styles of undermounted sinks from Abode’s classic R50 stainless steel range were selected for installation with solid surfaces for a premium look and feel in the kitchen (AW5015) and utility room (AW5014). The classic Matrix R50 under-mount stainless steel sink collection offers a range of 0.7mm thick 18/10 grade steel bowls that will suit every kitchen environment and budget. Other options include the AW5015 large single bowl, and LH or RH 1.5 bowl sinks. All Abode stainless steel sinks are made from 304 grade stainless steel, which is highly durable with excellent corrosion resistance.  The kitchens in the Limsi Grove development were supplied with AW5015 large single bowl sinks which were combined with an Abode Pronteau Prothia 3 IN 1 hot water tap (PT1142) in Chrome or Matt Black. This ensured a practical working area for the end user with domestic hot, cold and 98° instant steaming hot water, making the tap fully compliant with Part G (3) of UK building regulations.  The Pronteau Prothia 3 IN 1 tap is available in two contemporary spout choices, swan neck and quad and 5 on trend colourways: Chrome, Matt Black, Urban Copper, Brushed Nickel and Brushed Brass, an option to satisfy all decors  Developers also benefit from the quick to install, Proboil.2X intelligent hot water boiler which can be fitted quickly and easily in the wet zone. Furthermore, Abode’s Proboil hot water products comply with all LVD/EMC/ROHS standards according to CE and UKCA. Both Proboil boiler models (2L or 4L) have WRAS certification to further reinforce the company’s ability to design and make safe and stylish tap solutions. All Pronteau taps are either WRAS or KIWA approved or have approvals pending.  DESIGN COMMENT Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode says, “We are proud to support superior homes in superb locations through our comprehensive range of contemporary sinks and taps. Our extensive trend-mapping and research into the UK kitchen market allows us to pinpoint key lifestyle trends and given that online research by consumers is now specific as opposed to just browsing, we know that home buyers demand practical luxury. Considering this, our main areas of focus major on all elements of luxury interior design including safety, efficiency, flexibility and reliability. This is why we were pleased to elevate the quality of life for end users at Limsi Grove with larger sinks which can accommodate bigger pots and pans especially in conjunction with a steaming hot water tap for enhanced cooking.”

Viega’s Megapress press connection technology has been installed across 11 floors of a new £85 million development, 125 Deansgate in Manchester. Selected for its speed of installation and its reputation as a trusted method for connecting thick walled steel tube without hot works, the Megapress connections have been used throughout the heating system.With 12 floors in total, 125 Deansgate echoes the industrial Victorian architecture of the Deansgate area and comprises 117,000 square foot of offices above 12,000 square foot of retail space at ground floor level. The development is expected to achieve a BREEAM Excellence rating on completion.Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services Ltd. were awarded the M&E contract by main contactor Marcus Worthington & Co. Ltd. and began on site in May last year. Briggs & Forrester had not previously worked with Viega’s Megapress system in its northern region so this was the team’s first experience of the product.On the decision to use it in this development, Richie Jones, Site Manager for the company commented: “The project specification suggested using a crimp system for the pipe connections, but Briggs & Forrester Engineering Services do not use lightweight carbon steel crimp systems, so we were looking for an alternative.“Our sister company, Briggs & Forrester Living highlighted that they had used a Viega press connection system on one of their projects and had also been on a Viega factory tour where they had been impressed with the Megapress system. After researching Megapress and the installation process ourselves, we decided to use the product for 125 Deansgate.”In total, approximately 7,000 Megapress connection joints were installed, with somewhere between 500 and 650 joints being used per floor across the 11 floors of office space.Richie highlighted that while Briggs & Forrester were working to a tight programme, Viega’s Megapress helped the company to meet its installation targets though its simple installation process.Using Megapress press connections can provide a 60% to 80% time saving compared with alternatives such as welding, grooving or threading tube. Viega’s proven SC-Contur technology is also designed to deliver a 100% positive leak if a fitting is left unpressed which is clearly discernible during leakage testing or when the system is filled for the first time. This prevents costly remedial work that might be required later on and can again save contractors a significant amount of time on site.Richie continued: “The installation of the Megapress connections was simple and we did not have any issues with the products. There is a good selection of connections to choose from to suit any installation requirement and the system is also simple to clean which reduces the flushing time and overall cost.“We will definitely use Megapress again - using Viega is like going back to using traditional heavy grade steel pipe systems but with a modern twist.”Paul McCormick, Senior Project Manager at Marcus Worthington & Co. Ltd commented, “As yet, Briggs and Forrester have not started to test the system; however, from a safety stand point the Megapress system is much better than traditional brazed pipework as it cuts down on the number of live hot works permits required at any one time and is also less prone to workmanship errors. I look forward to seeing the system prove its reliability during testing.”

Tilt and Turn Windows in a new developmentGowercroft's expertise shines through in their remarkable tilt and turn windows project on Bishops Avenue, London, known as "Billionaires Row." Overcoming technical challenges with meticulous attention to detail, Gowercroft delivered high-quality windows and sliding doors, elevating the new build project to a regal level.Gowercroft products used:Kedleston Tilt and TurnPeveril Lift and SlideAccoya®The Advantages of Tilt and Turn Windows:Tilt and turn windows, popular in continental Europe, are particularly suitable for large residential and commercial buildings. These windows have both vertical and horizontal hinges, allowing them to function like regular casement windows when opened horizontally. When opened vertically, they provide excellent ventilation while maintaining optimal security, as the opening mechanism remains inaccessible from the outside. Tilt and turn windows also feature multiple locking points for enhanced security when closed.Overcoming Technical Challenges:The architect initially specified standard casement windows for the property, which featured large sliding doors. However, Gowercroft recommended installing tilt and turn systems instead to better suit the building's style. The challenge arose due to the height of some window units exceeding 2 meters, placing significant stress on the hinges and mechanisms. Gowercroft's technical director, David Brown, conducted extensive research to identify the best gearing and specially designed frames to withstand these increased stresses.A Testament to Exceptional Craftsmanship:Gowercroft's bespoke tilt and turn units outperformed those of other companies in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and projected longevity. The windows, doors, and joinery at Bishops Avenue were meticulously crafted in American Black Walnut with bronze inlays and accessories, resulting in a tasteful and luxurious finish.Extensive Installation and Impeccable Functionality:The project involved the creation and installation of over 200 windows and doors, internal door sets, architraves, staircases, rails, furniture, and skirting boards, amounting to almost 2 years of dedicated work. Completed in 2008, the multifunctional window and door units remain fully operational, a testament to their exceptional quality and longevity. Gowercroft continues to maintain and service the tilt and turn windows at 49 Bishops Avenue, ensuring their optimal functionality and eliminating the need for customer maintenance.Testimonial from Barry Glantz, WillowAcre Investments & Developments Ltd:Barry Glantz, of WillowAcre Investments & Developments Ltd, praises Gowercroft for their commitment to quality and professionalism, recommending them without hesitation. Glantz highlights Gowercroft as a company that goes the extra mile, adding value to every project.Elevate your architectural designs with Gowercroft's tilt and turn windows, exemplifying excellence, durability, and functionality. Experience the difference of meticulous craftsmanship and customer satisfaction that extends beyond project completion.

Working with the project architects, our technical team helped to develop the door specification for this state of the art 86,000sqm medical research facility. Dortek designed and installed more than 500 bespoke hygienic door and automation solutions throughout the facility. This included non fire rated and fire rated single action and sliding doors and hermetically sealing sliding doors. Our doors were essential for providing protection across hazardous fire areas. Our void free doors are hygienic, easy to clean, non absorbent and do not harbour bacteria. This makes them ideally suited to research laboratories which are sensitive to contamination.

DrillFast stainless composite panel fasteners are the ultimate in reliability, even in the exceptional length required for this project. Drilling heavy steel without fuss, supporting the outer skin impeccably, with the proven longevity of A2/304 stainless steel.The Fixfast maximum reliability, minimum fuss promise extended to more than just the project - the contractor on this project had the certainty that deliveries would be on-site when needed - every time."I always ask the buyers for your fixings - you just don't get any problems with them"Barry Coldren - Project Manager at Prater Ltd

The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre (SAF-IC) building has been enveloped in steel made in Port Talbot and manufactured in Shotton.The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre (SAF-IC) is a bespoke research centre for the development and testing of sustainable aviation fuels. SAF-IC is jointly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the University of Sheffield.Based at the University of Sheffield Innovation District and forming part of the University’s Energy Institute, SAF-IC is enabling practical solutions to the challenge of making vital jet travel more sustainable for the industry and our planet.Based at the University of Sheffield Innovation District and forming part of the University’s Energy Institute, SAF-IC is enabling practical solutions to the challenge of making vital jet travel more sustainable for the industry and our planet.A result of a partnership between Boeing and The University of Sheffield, the building forms part of the University’s Translational Energy Research Centre.

Pure Design – Bolidtop 525Colour – S 6500-N800m2Architect – Stanton WilliamsMain Contractor - SkanskaInstallation dates – 2019Challenge Zayed Centre of Research into Rare Disease in Children is a building where those who work within it play a crucial part in our society. Stratum helped create a healthy and fresh environment in the specialist research laboratories based at the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital. The space would be heavily used and the nature of the work in the labs required the floor to be hygienic, seamless, easy to clean and with high resistance to chemicals. The design of the building allows the public to see through the windows into the laboratories from street level, meaning aesthetics were equally as important in product selection as functional properties. Stratum installed 800m2 of Pure Design – Bolidtop 525 with integrated skirting throughout. Solution-      Joint free makes for a very hygienic solution, with integrated joint free skirting adding to this.-      Close co-ordination with the contractor, enabled the structure to be sufficiently progressed early in the programme. This allowed the resin to be installed early and fully protected in ample time for the lab benches to be installed over.-      Electrical Floor Bokes, seamless skirting.Result-      The resin flooring installed here is an excellent addition to this multi-award winning building.  “The Bolidt resin provides the perfect seamless floor finish in the main laboratory spaces within the Zayed Centre for Research. These are most visible laboratory spaces within the building, both internally and from the public realm, and a choice of floor finish was important. As well as giving the right visual appearance it provides the functional properties required for these hard working spaces. Pre-installation samples of the resin flooring were tested by the client user team and passed on all technical requirements. The resin floor is used in both dry and wet areas of the laboratory and is easy to maintain. Stratum provided a great overall service, both with pre-installation queries and during the installation itself”. Kalpesh Intwala | Associate Director | Stanton Williams

When architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and research and development companies. The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE SlimdriveSCR curved automatic sliding door. Slimdrive SCR was chosen to fit with the building BREEAM Excellent rating. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentialsWhen architects Scott Brownrigg were given a brief to create a new gateway to Cambridge Science Park they knew the building had to be impressive to attract the desired high tech and research and development companies. The design features a colonnade sweeping across the front of the building echoing the curve of the spine road and a new public space. The column spacing guides occupants and visitors to the entrance – a GEZE SlimdriveSCR curved automatic sliding door. Slimdrive SCR was chosen to fit with the building BREEAM Excellent rating. The circular entrance features two sets of automatic bi-parting curved glass sliding doors, creating a lobby that minimises heat loss or gain and so helps to contribute to the building’s environmental credentialsIn addition the Slimdrive SCR automatic curved sliding door provides a light and airy all-glass lobby entrance which blends into the façade and the large glass atrium; it combines high performance with unobtrusive operation. Inside the operator’s deep canopy an integrated air curtain was installed to further minimise any heat loss and maintain the aesthetics of the building. The Slimdrive SCR automatic operator also provides uninhibited access and so meets the demands of Part M, BS 8300 and EN 16005, whilst the access control system ensures security. Shortlisted for office awardsRecognising the outstanding design of the building, the Cambridge Science Park has been shortlisted for the 2023 British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards. The BCO’s primary objective is to define excellence in office space. Ross Mcwatt, associate architect at Scott Brownrigg said: "We have worked with GEZE several times, they have the same focus as we do in terms combining sustainability, accessibility and aesthetics." Richard Richardson-Derry, national specification manager at GEZE UK added: "This is an outstanding building, that meets many demands. We were delighted to play a part in creating an entrance and achieving the criteria of the brief." 

The Francis Crick Institute, the largest biomedical research institute under one roof in Europe, was opened by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in late 2016. A striking £650m landmark in the heart of London, situated next to St Pancras Station, the Crick is a purpose built biomedical research facility.Designed by HOK and PLP architects the Crick is one of the most complex buildings in London with a very high level of specification. With floor space approaching 1 million square feet over 12 floors, 4 of which are below ground level, the design of the building was technically challenging. The state-of-the-art building was developed to minimise its environmental impact and be highly sustainable with an ‘excellent’ BREEAM rating.The Francis Crick Institute was designed to support scientific research goals whilst promoting public engagement. Encouraging interaction between scientists with an open feel and layout whilst being accessible to the public for lectures, exhibitions and a teaching laboratory for school children posed a difficult security balance.During 2017 when the building reaches full capacity it will be home to 1500 scientists and support staff.

Named after Francis Crick, the scientist who helpeddiscover the structure of DNA, the institute is an ambitiouscollaboration of six founding research partners: the MedicalResearch Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome Trust,UCL (University College London), Imperial College Londonand King’s College London.The world-class biomedical research facility aims todiscover how and why disease develops in order to findnew ways to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions suchas cancer, heart disease and stroke, as well as infectionsand neurodegenerative conditions. Located in centralLondon, the steel, glass and terracotta clad buildingoccupies a full city block and creates strong architecturallinks to historic local buildings. Large cantilevered baywindows and tall glass atria reduce the building’s impact atstreet level and maintain natural light in workspaces andpublic areas. The challenge for Allgood on this project wasto create an ironmongery specification in keeping with thefacility’s elite standards.The Contego range is an antimicrobial copper product,made from a copper alloy, giving it the appearance ofstainless steel while incorporating the bacteria fightingqualities of copper.Killing 99.9% of bacteria within minutes of exposure, therange offered a unique functional capability to the researchcentre, while still matching the interior aesthetic. Contegolever and pull handles were supplied to glass doorsincluding: office and lab doors, while push plates weresupplied to the auditorium and back of house areas.Additionally, Allgood Secure supplied automatic dooroperators to the main entrances of the labs, with fobreaders fitted for Contego lever handles in higher securityareas.

DFV Company realises all their finishes only using Qualicoat approved non-toxic polyester powders. In this regard, the continuous collaboration with suppliers of powder coatings is fundamental, such as Sherwin-Williams, strategic partners in the creation of excellent products and in the research and development of cutting-edge solutions, capable of responding promptly to the changing needs of the market.DFV is an Italian Company with an important international relevance, a leader in the sector of painting for architectural and industrial use.Founded in 1972, today DFV has 3 production units in Italy (Lecce, Venezia, and Agrigento) and 2 abroad (Brazil and Australia). All production sites are equipped with modern painting systems, both vertical and horizontal, and with wood-effect decoration systems that allow DFV to offer a wide range of high-quality colours to several thousand customers as window fabricators, distributors of aluminum profiles, producers, and systems engineers for residential and industrial architecture. The product range of DFV varies from classic and special RAL colours to wood-effect paints and decorations. The core business is represented by the DFV patented EZY and EZY HD2 wood-effect decorations, made using powder on powder technology.

Technal Systems showcased on Materials Innovation FactoryAdvanced glazing systems from TECHNAL have been utilised by Dortech Architectural Systems Ltd for the construction of the new Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) located within the University of Liverpool's "Knowledge Quarter" - helping to create an important research facility for the development of new technologies. The research building, completed in 2017, is visually more striking thanks to the way the project architects, Fairhursts Design Group have combined different systems to create the main facade, as well as a link structure to the existing building, further enhancing the appearance of the curtain walling in one area with the use of bespoke feature caps. The 11,600m2, multi-million pound project has been led by BAM Construction, with Dortech Architectural Systems Ltd having designed, manufactured and installed a package of product.

MNM Developments carefully crafted the 55 apartments at award-winning Harbour Green in Portobello to complement the aesthetics of the coastal suburb. Placing as much importance on the exterior of the landmark development located on the seafront at Portobello Promenade, the developer was looking for a paving product that would look as good as the Harbour Green interior.

Client: NHS HighlandLocation: Inverness, Scotland, UKYear: 2023Project size: 400 m²Vebro systems: vebrobound StoneAn attractive, slip-resistant alternative to tarmac was required for the outdoor areas surrounding an elective care centre in the heart of Inverness Campus.NHS Highland, one of the fourteen regions of NHS Scotland, provides physical and mental health services across the Highland and Argyll and Bute Council areas, covering an area of 32,500 km² and serving a population of 320,000 people.NHS Highland has opened a new elective care facility at Inverness Campus, a hub for world-class research and development in the life-sciences sector.The National Treatment Centre, based at the Inverness Campus, comprises an ophthalmology outpatient department, ophthalmology and orthopaedic theatres, inpatient wards, an imaging and diagnostics suite, as well as collaborative spaces, educational facilities, and office spaces.Not only does the centre cater to local needs, but it also goes beyond by fostering innovation and research, enhancing the scope and impact of clinical services provided.Vebro Polymers has supplied vebrobound Stone, a fully permeable, SUDs compliant resin-bound aggregate system that is ideally suited for use in public-facing external applications like hospitals and healthcare facilities. The permeable, seamless polyurethane resin bound aggregate system is designed for installation directly onto tarmac or concrete on terraces and external areas of commercial and institutional venues and delivers a stylish and low maintenance alternative to loose gravel, block paving or concrete.Available in a range of attractive aggregate blends, vebrobound Stone can complement existing structures to deliver a stunning welcome to institutional facilities such as this.Hendersons, established over 40 years ago and based in Moray in Scotland, provide first class resin flooring installation throughout Scotland.The company, who also offer a range of other services including painting, decorating and industrial cleaning, deployed their dedicated resin flooring team to transform Glenturret Distillery. Hendersons prides itself on the continual training of existing staff and development of trainees across its business, ensuring it continues to offer an unsurpassable service.

Ridgeway Views is a collection of 490 flats set within 47 acres overlooking fields of Totteridge Valley. These energy-efficient homes offer village life coupled with city living. The development includes a gym, bar, parking, charging points, landscaped gardens, fitness trail, concierge, café, car club and play area. The National Institute for Medical Research was originally designed in 1934 by Maxwell Ayrton, with the buildings all being named after pioneering researchers from the institute (Dodson & Wolff House), with the main cruciform named as Ayrton House. This building has been recreated with a green copper-roofed centre, village pond, 3 storey workspace and restaurant.Cellecta’s HEXATHERM XPERi was specified by Julian de Metz of dMFK working with Hawkins\Brown & RMA Architects due to its closed cell structure that provides unrivalled resistance to water absorption and high compressive strength, making them ideal for external basement lining applications.Barratt Homes was supplied 112,500m² of Cellecta products to develop these flats in the Mill Hill conservation area.

Lakeside Developments is a unique development offering a selection of six to seven storied apartments, semi-detached and detached houses situated in Coleraine. The homes have been designed to exceed expectations of modern buyers. A cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable facing brick was required to complete the scheme.The exclusive housing development has been ‘highly commended’ in the sustainability category at the Placemaking Awards which celebrates projects, plans, people and organisations that are making places better.The unique project, described as one of the most unique and visionary civil engineering projects ever attempted in the UK, has transformed the 42-acre redundant quarry into a modern housing development with a lake, which was formed using water that had been pumped out of the site.According to Alan Patterson Design the project demonstrates its environmental credentials through its ‘engineering initiative and excellence’ in the re-use of the redundant basalt quarry to meet present day housing needs.AG’s facing brick Woodward in Ashbrooke Smooth was chosen due to its hard-wearing capabilities and long-lasting colour retention. The smooth finish of the brick gives a modern appearance to the houses.Additionally, Homepave Cobble Paving was selected for the walkways and garden of the new development. Due to its rumbled surface, it provides a charming additional to the scheme

The Caudwell International Children’s Centre (CICC) is an award-winning £18 million development located at Keele University Science & Innovation Park, and the UK’s first independent facility dedicated to the diagnosis, support and research of autism. The awards won by the project include; RICS® Project of the Year 2019, Design in Mental Health Project of the Year 2019 and Healthcare Estates® IHEEM Awards Project of the Year 2019.