Projects

University of Sheffield

Building for the Future of British Industry

Image of the University of Sheffield

People

Yasser Fadhl, Bond Bryan project architect.

Location

Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Sector

Commercial

Products

Architectural Facades

Type

New build

The challenge

The objective of these translational research centres is to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic research. Leading names in global manufacturing, such as Boeing, have been involved in the creation of the facilities, supporting the university-led research within and so helping to cultivate the next generation of engineers. A singular feature of this venture was to reveal the unique purpose of each facility; the architects planned on using the external walls as a canvas to reflect the ground-breaking work going on internally.

The solution and approach

Set up to develop and trial new materials, the Royce Translational Centre (RTC) required a novel material for its exterior so bronze rainscreen panels were specified. Despite the unusual nature of bronze, Bailey’s renowned background in bespoke manufacture meant we could handle and build with it appropriately. Ultimately producing a lustrous bronze-effect rainscreen cladding system with interlocking joints. The bronze will dull over time, eventually creating the sophisticated industrial look desired by the client.

In the Laboratory for Verification and Validation (LVV), a new acoustics and vibration testing facility, various tests take place which will hopefully lead to the production of lighter and safer designs for various industries, such as for aircraft and wind turbines. For this facility, long and thin stainless-steel shingles interlock for a panel effect resulting in an aerodynamic look. This was another panelling material which Bailey had never worked with before, so a new system had to be developed to achieve the final streamlined finish.

The third of the research facilities, the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR) translates disruptive technologies from advanced manufacturing systems to the infrastructure sectors. The processes developed within the centre need to stand the test of time, so it was appropriate that the building also should. A zinc rainscreen system was Bailey’s solution, as this material prevents the panels ageing, while secret fix joints add to the overall seamless and striking appearance.

Despite the difference in aesthetics and purpose of each building it was important to remember they exist as a family on the campus. Even the AMRC substation needed to fit the unique aesthetic. The client requested a basket weave look and Bailey took on the challenge creating an innovative technique where cladding had to be rolled, curved and interlocked to achieve the client’s vision.

Yasser Fadhl, Bond Bryan project architect, comments: "This was an exciting set of projects to take on, the role of these research facilities is to drive growth and productivity across the region, but they will also be fundamental to the future of British industry as global demands get bigger. Our client was keen to be adventurous while still keeping the central purpose of these buildings at the front of everyone’s minds. The high-performance cladding solutions provided by Bailey created the desired look while also being completely effective in their design". 

The result

Award-winning architect practice Bond Bryan was behind the design of the buildings on the campus. Being impressed by the bespoke eaves system manufactured and supplied by Bailey in the past on other projects, the firm brought Bailey on board for these subsequent AMRC ventures.

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