Imperial College London, Engineering Annex

A1 NON-COMBUSTIBLE

  • Client: Imperial College London
  • Programme: January – June 2012
  • Contract Value: £0.7m
  • Scope of Work: Anodized aluminium overcladding and replacement windows.

PROJECT SCOPE

The architect’s original design was over-budget. Imperial College approached d+b facades to provide alternative proposals which followed the architect’s design intent but which could be delivered more economically. We developed a ‘hybrid’ aluminium rainscreen solution using plank-shaped panels anodised in 4 subtly different colours. High-performance replacement windows were incorporated and the existing fenestration substantially changed.

The original building’s curtain wall contained asbestos in all spandrel panels below the windows. Our solution enabled the existing facade to remain intact, encapsulating the asbestos. Given the Annex’s location a high-quality appearance was imperative and, with the approaching London Olympics, certainty of on-time delivery was also critical. Both were achieved.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“The difference in appearance of our building on Exhibition Road has been nothing short of transformational. d+b Facades has delivered everything they promised and we are all delighted with the end result and the smooth journey in getting there”.
Steve Howe, Director of Capital Projects and Planning, Imperial College London.

“A total transformation of what was there originally. The majority of people think that we have built a new building”.
Nick Roalfe, Director of Facilities and Property Management, Imperial College London.

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