Abernethy Building

The Abernethy Building was constructed in 1994, and houses a range of laboratory facilities, offices and seminar teaching accommodation. The project comprises an external upgrade with thermal performance improvements and a keen eye on aesthetic upgrade, as well as a full refurbishment to part of the 3rd floor to create a Centre for Population Genomic Medicine.

With overheating rather than cold a key issue, the design provides solar screening which sits away from the existing facade, with an upgrade of glazing and spandrel panels for thermal improvements. The existing structure’s limitations, maintenance, building operations and occupants influenced the design development of perforated aluminium panels, which were articulated to provide a street presence with a defined entrance.

During the project, an initial internal strip out and fit out phase for part of the 3rd floor was extended to a full refurbishment of the 3rd floor and the associated stair core and WC provision. The resultant internal refurbishment works provide a combination of seminar, office, open plan and agile working options to serve the Genomic Medicine and other research groups based at Queen Mary University of London.

 

Photos by Elena Arzua