Royal Holloway, University of London
Royal Holloway is one of the top 25 UK Universities, steeped in history and culture. As they constantly evolve and adapt the campus to the demands of higher education, the addition of the Emily Wilding Davison Building, provides a modern, state-of-the-art library and student services centre.
Royal Holloway University
Architect
Associated Architects
Contractor
Osborne
Quantity Surveyor
Faithful + Gould
Being involved in this scheme for over 2 years prior to commencement of the build, enabled us to work closely with the University team to truly understand their ambitions and ensure they achieved the finished outcome they were looking for.
Situated opposite the Grade I listed Founders Building, close collaboration with Associated Architects was required to develop the façade design through the stages ensuring the vision was maintained and cost aspirations met.
Responsible for the whole façade envelope of this striking and sensitively-designed building, careful co-ordination was needed to bring the varying cladding elements together.
A concrete frame structure meant that our scope commenced with the lightweight steel framing infills in the solid wall build up areas. From there, glazing apertures were infilled with traditional stick curtain walling and then a feature surround that supported the horizontal terracotta brise soleil.
To the ground level cladding areas, ceramic cladding runs around the building whilst on the projecting bay that cloaks the ends of the atrium, the cladding material is pure bronze. Down the east elevation, large projecting bays are also encapsulated with aluminium cladding. At terrace and roof level, aluminium copings run around the perimeter, with large walk-on rooflights spilling light to the study spaces below. Plant room cladding and louvre screens also fell within the envelope package, meaning a co-ordination with other trades, to ensure the fast installation timeframe was met.
The finished building which sits at the heart of the campus has been awarded BREEAM Excellent; a fitting result following the influence sustainability had on the design from the outset.
