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FRANCIS CRICK INSTITUTE, LONDON


to unlocking the holistic programming, cost and risk profile of the project,” reveals the architect.


© Paul Grundy


The attention to detail present in the architecture is mirrored in the approach to boundary-breaking scientific research


and extends up to 43 metres above street level, divided into two interlocking shells. Each shell is formed from a variety of louvres, included solid, perforated and twisted aluminium, and glass fins, ranging from 150 mm up to 750 mm and lengths of up to nine metres.


The south-facing photovoltaic louvres comprise up to 144 mono-crystalline cells per blade, laminated into low-iron glass with integral micro inverters. The BIM model was also used to assess the total output of the PV cells on each blade. A total of 1,700 m2


panels were incorporated into the southern roof facade. This will produce approximately 31 per cent savings compared with a “baseline” scheme, equivalent to 9,950 tonnes of annual carbon emissions.


Construction challenges PROJECT FACTFILE


Lead architect: HOK External envelope: PLP Architecture Biological research facilities consultant: BMJ Architects Floor area: 93,000 m2 No. of rooms: 1,553 Contractor: Laing O’Rourke Structural engineer: AKT II MEP/project management: Arup Cost consultant: Turner & Townsend


Contractor Laing O’Rourke had to remove 185,000 m3


of soil from the site, over 100 km of mains power cables and 120 km of pipework had to be installed, and over 1,200 workers were on site during the most intense phase of construction. With such a complex and wide ranging build, covering multiple typologies and themes, challenges were a given.


Construction of one of the largest basements in London, with a 16 metre excavation that makes up almost a third of the development, was one of the biggest challenges. “This called for a bespoke construction methodology which was key


WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK


A multitude of below-ground obstructions were discovered, including the Thameslink station box and a pair of 120- year-old cast-iron gas mains, necessitating the use of complex 3D ground modelling linked to real-time movement monitoring. The construction programme balanced top-down construction from the second basement level with the logistical efficiencies of ‘blue-sky’ construction above, avoiding temporary obstructions, thanks to a 1 metre thick cantilevering retaining wall. The basement imaging suite presented another challenge. Materials with magnetic properties were prohibited within the vicinity of MRI and NMR scanning equipment due to the risk of electromagnetic interference. Malcic says the team came up with a reported first in UK construction to address this: “The innovative solution included concrete plunge columns with low-ferrous stainless steel reinforcement, rather than more traditional steel sections.”


As part of the design development, prototyping was undertaken in an offsite environment to build full-scale mock-ups of key areas of the project, to identify interface and technical issues. “In this way, through collaboration with the Crick and their consultants, solutions were tried and tested before being introduced into the main building.”


of solar photovoltaic Going forward


The Francis Crick Institute has strong sustainability goals, and the building has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. On its completion, the project was called “another jewel in the UK’s crown as a knowledge economy,” by Science Minister Jo Johnson on completion, and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said it “promised huge strides” in health research. This major science project is also a major architecture and construction achievement. It is exceptional in its volume of social and collaborative spaces, including the areas it opens to the public. The project utilises glass innovatively an as visually stunning, porous, and integral part of the building’s roof structure.


The attention to detail present in the architecture of the Crick is mirrored in its approach to boundary-breaking scientific research. It is sure to be the scene of many breakthroughs in the future which will benefit the whole of humanity.


ADF MAY 2018


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