Vitrum
An advanced life science research facility under development at St. John’s Innovation Park in Cambridge, this project aims to create 175,000 square feet of adaptable laboratory and office space, designed with sustainability and occupant wellbeing in mind.
With construction set to be completed during 2026, it will offer high-performance spaces for scientific discovery within the North East Cambridge Innovation Cluster.
Breakthrough Properties
Architect
Henning Larsen/ Feilden & Mawson
Contractor
McLaughlin & Harvey
Quantity Surveyor
Exigere
Project Manager
Third London Wall
We were given single-point design and delivery responsibility for a full envelope wrap of the concrete-framed construction. This encompasses structural coordination and engineering across multiple building physics disciplines, including thermal performance, acoustics and fire safety.
Working with McLaughlin & Harvey and the wider design team, we were tasked to deliver a façade solution that meets high standards of environmental responsibility, sustainability, performance and architectural appeal. This would include working towards achieving BREEAM Excellent certification.
Our façade solution features SFS infills to form a solid wall structure SFS slab infills to the solid wall zones, with architectural cladding to the face. The glazed modules framed by architectural solar fins then complete the wall build up, ensuring optimal thermal and energy performance.
At ground level, solid brick face zones make up the majority of the façade with punch hole curtain wall elements given full height light into the café and entrance zones. At terrace levels, our scope includes architectural metalwork and at roof level, the façade continues up to provide a sympathetic plant screen that fits with the rest of the building design.
Utilising a mixture of a window system and stick curtain wall, the façade installation is a site installed process, enabling work to commence on multi elevations and levels to assist the main contractor in reaching a quick watertight date enabling fit-out to commence as soon as possible.
