February 19 2016

BMJ Architects have secured planning consent to erect a 5,500sq/m research institute within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, London.

The Bloomsbury Research Institute is being spearheaded by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and UCL to lead the development of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to tackle infectious diseases.

Slotting into the dense urban fabric the design had to reconcile the institutional requirements of its brief whilst respecting residential neighbours through a series of green roof terraces, deep setbacks and a split level basement to minimise its external footprint.

Duncan Leach, director at BMJ Architects said, “Part of the richness of a building lies in its use of materials and we adopted a contemporary, yet contextual approach to the design by utilising crafted standing seam cladding in brass, a high quality and durable material that naturally patinates in sympathy with the heritage context of its surroundings.  We paired this with beautifully landscaped roof terraces to provide an enhanced outlook for the neighbours.“

‘Peeling’ brass privacy screens will prevent any direct overlooking of neighbours whilst granting oblique views of landscaping with perforated artwork screens permitting daylight to flow through.

Post your comments

Your name (required)
Your email (not displayed)
Comments (required)
	All comments are pre-moderated and must obey our house rules.