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Francis Crick Institute

We are continually redefining the standards of office glass partitioning. This is clearly seen through our work in the Francis Crick Institute’s London Headquarters. We were tasked with designing, delivering and installing all glass partitioning systems across the building.

Location
Brill Place, London

Architect
HOK International Ltd

Contractor
Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd

The project

Francis Crick is one of the scientists who discovered the Double Helix (DNA). The Francis Crick Institute (FCI) now stands as the largest biomedical research centre under a single roof in Europe. Spanning 980,000 sq. ft. and housing over 1,000 researchers, this new hub will bring together specialist knowledge, expertise and resources. The facility will be the foundation in which new research will contribute to treatments for many life-threatening illnesses. Some of the illnesses FCI contribute towards treating include cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases.

The striking design was created by London-based architects HOK in association with PLP. It features large cantilevered bay windows, a cathedral-like glazed atrium and a curved roof. The interior of the building required highly specialised design. Consequently, alongside HOK, we incorporate a variety of glazed partition types that allow privacy, acoustic attenuation and simple clean aesthetics.
On developing their ideas for the office glass partitioning, HOK wanted a partner who they could rely on. However, the demands of a laboratory specification would need a partner to be a pro-active problem solver. We are proud to provide both creative design and technical excellence. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate that we were more than capable of the job at hand.

The vision

Integral to the ambitious design of the Institute was transparency at every level. The exterior windows and interior office glass partitioning work together, connecting the inside of the building with the local community outside; an important element of the Crick’s community engagement and education programme.

It was equally important for the scientists, from each of the six different institutes, to work in a building that broke the mould and actively encouraged visual connectivity and collaboration between researchers who may have not have met otherwise. 

The solution

Most importantly, we installed our office glass partitioning create laboratories, meeting rooms and office areas throughout the building. Furthermore, each installation had to function at the highest level to meet the special requirements of each area.

We selected products which would perform acoustically, combat environmental issues, ensure the retention of air tightness and cleanliness. Four key products were specified:

Firstly, Slim-line, sleek design, as well as practicality, was important to both HOK and FCI. Subsequently, Revolution 54 was installed. Designed in both single and double glazed systems Revolution 54 has full, seamless drywall integration, stunning design, and high performing acoustic characteristics.

Secondly, Edge Symmetry doors can similarly be single or double glazed to suit the required acoustic performance. However, the Edge Symmetry can be designed to be either hinged or pivoting. Additionally, on this project. in order to meet the stringent criteria for laboratory areas, both anti-bacterial pull and lever handles were fitted where necessary, along with a 100mm plinth to the glazed screens.

Thirdly, Optima 117 plus is a silicone free, single glazed partition system. In addition, it can also be combined with many common designed components within our range of products to create a sleek finish.

The delivery

In short, our products had to work seamlessly with the rest of the design to provide the interior with a feeling of transparency, allowing great light transmission and, importantly, enabling clear views onto different floors. This wasn’t just an aesthetic ambition but a reflection of the very essence of this revolutionary scientific initiative.

Furthermore, this unusual degree of visibility, within a biomedical research centre, would not only help to demystify certain aspects of scientific research but importantly allow visual connections to be initiated, thereby enhancing the collaborative potential of the building.

Unsurprisingly, acoustic issues within this building needed to be addressed. We were presented with a variety of challenges that were innovatively reviewed and overcome. Subsequently, this enabled us to provide a remarkable level of acoustic performance that the building required.

As a biomedical research centre, this project was subject to rigorous testing processes to meet the required standards. The premium level of service that we guarantee and our attention to detail meant these standards were exceeded. Our thorough and precise installation processes ensured that nothing short of a perfect job was delivered.

Working with us

This was an intense project requiring expert levels of precision. The partitioning had to look elegant, be robust, and work with revolutionary designs, whilst also offering high levels of in sound control for the client.

When reflecting upon the project’s success, Andy Warner Lacey, HOK’s Interior Design Sector Leader, expressed how he valued our role on the project:

“Optima’s contribution was not solely as a partitioning contractor but as a valuable member of the design team. They had a desire to try to address and resolve each of the project’s unique issues, irrespective of how unreasonable they were.”

 

We look beyond providing standard products for a project and see opportunities for innovation and development. Treating every project as an opportunity to add to our expertise, which is why we offer a truly bespoke service that delivers above and beyond what is expected.

We are extremely proud to have been a part of such a prestigious installation; particularly one that will prove to be life changing for so many in the future.

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