The Francis Crick Institute is an ambitious collaboration of six founding research partners: the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London. The world-class biomedical research facility aims to discover how and why disease develops in order to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions such as cancer, heart disease and stroke as well as infections and neurodegenerative conditions.
Designed by architects HOK with PLP Architecture, the overall building concept emphasises visual permeability, collaboration and innovative lab planning. A technically complex and challenging construction project, the Crick has been designed to the highest specifications to ensure the most sensitive biomedical research can be undertaken within the facility. Constructed by Laing O'Rourke and supported by engineers, Arup and AKT II, the facility is 170m long, comprising almost one million square feet of floor space over 12 floors, one third of which are below ground.
David King, Senior Vice President at HOK said, "The Francis Crick Institute is the largest and most advanced research facility of its kind in Europe. But science is constantly evolving and therefore requires a highly collaborative environment to facilitate scientific research. We are delighted that our holistic design solutions will aid the Crick's aspiration of 'discovery without boundaries', helping to keep London and the UK at the forefront of innovative medical research."
Specified for use within a series of laboratory environments and in high traffic areas including the auditorium doors is Allgood's Contego antimicrobial copper alloy ironmongery pull handles, push plates and electromagnetic locks. In addition, Contego lever handles and bathroom turns have also been used for WC doors and storage cupboards throughout the building.
Providing specialist ironmongery advice and scheduling services, Allgood's role was of significant importance throughout the tendering and construction process.
Richard van den Bos, Product Manager at Allgood Plc said, "For leading medical research facilities such as the Francis Crick Institute, researching the fundamental biological processes underlying human health and disease, collaboration and innovation is key.
"Ideally suited and developed for medical environments is Allgood's innovative Contego range of ironmongery, formed of antimicrobial copper alloy. A unique product, the Contego range has the appearance of stainless steel, seamlessly integrating with surrounding ironmongery items, whilst harnessing the intrinsic benefits of antimicrobial copper.
"The most effective touch surface material in the fight against pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial copper continually kills greater than 99.9% of bacteria within two hours of exposure providing a long term, durable solution."
In addition to more than 4,500 Contego items that were installed, Allgood also supplied an access control and door automation package including electronic handle sets and automatic door operators.
For more information on Allgood plc please visit http://www.allgood.co.uk/ or follow @Allgood_plc on Twitter.