ited as the largest biomedical research facility in Europe, the new structure has already been widely lauded as the new symbol of ‘scientific Britain’. The institute proudly carries the name of the co-discoverer of DNA’s molecular structure and the joint 1962 Nobel Prize winner, Molecular Biologist Francis Crick.
Funding for the project was provided by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL, Imperial College London and King’s College London – with the new structure replacing a range of aging lab facilities scattered around the local area.
The building itself was designed to offer the scope and adaptability to incorporate new scientific opportunities of the future, which required utilising innovative construction techniques to ensure the Institute reflected this forward-thinking approach, while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding area.
One of the most distinctive features of the structure are its curved steel elements, which offer a futuristic aesthetic and define particularly its vast roof structure. Curved structural steel has seen wide use in a number of high profile construction projects over the last few decades. It has enabled designers and architects to introduce new and innovative designs that are more organic and aesthetically unique. So when steelwork contractor Severfield required curved structural steel for the project in 2013, they contacted Europe’s largest metal bending company, Barnshaws Section Benders.
Greg North, Commercial Director at Barnshaws, remembers the project well: “We were initially contacted by Severfield to supply a range of specified Rectangular Hollow Sections, Universal Beams, Universal Columns and flat sections, which amounted to around 300 tons of steelwork. The scale of the project was particularly large, but our experience and large bending capacity meant we could complete the work entirely in-house. Many of our engineers have been curving metals for decades for everything from bridges to bus shelters, so we were able to cater for the wide range of sections and beams required by the contractor, all to the exacting quality standards.”
Barnshaws Section Benders was established in 1969 and has been providing precision curved metal solutions to the construction, power generation, mining and manufacturing sectors ever since. The company operates facilities in the West Midlands, Manchester, Hamilton and Poland – which house some of the largest capacity bending machines in the world, allowing the company to deliver precision curved sections up to 35m in length. Such expertise has seen Barnshaws involved in the construction of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, Wimbledon’s Centre Court and a number of London’s 2012 Olympic facilities.
The vaulted roof structure of the facility was the destination for the majority of Barnshaws’ steelwork, which embodies the innovative design and construction approach of the entire project. The roof also pays homage to the architecture of the adjacent St. Pancras train station, offering a blend of modernity and consistency within its city surroundings. The roof is arranged in two sections, which serve to conceal the substantial heating and cooling units for the building, while also incorporating one of Britain’s largest in-built solar panel arrays to further reduce the structure’s carbon footprint. The two sections overlap above the atrium, conveying a strong architectural statement to all visitors.
Aside from the aesthetic benefits, curved steel also allows greater load bearing capabilities than an equivalent-sized straight section, since the curved section can deflect load more efficiently across its span. This enables contractors to specify smaller sections for the same application, reducing the weight and overall cost of a project.
Greg North continues: “Curved steel allows architects further flexibility in design, and can offer significant weight savings in a structure while still offering ample load bearing capabilities. Curved steel is allowing modern buildings to reflect the progress of our times, offering a shift away from the boxy designs typical of the 1970s and 80s. This benefits the immediate area around the building, and in the case of the Francis Crick Institute, makes a bold statement regarding the forward-thinking approach of the facility, its users and local society. Local communities can be truly engaged by new developments if they offer an aesthetic and cultural benefit, and curved structural steel helps enable this.”
The Francis Crick Institute was conceived as a publicly accessible, transparent space, making a break from the traditional isolation of conventional laboratories. Scientists, residents and community groups were consulted throughout the project to ensure that the building was aspiring to the goals of the Institute and could help inspire future scientists and the community for years to come.
The building is designed as four separate blocks or ‘neighbourhoods’ gathered around a central atrium, incorporating a total of 12 floors, including those below ground. These underground levels are specifically designed to minimise the effects of vibration and static electricity on the precise instruments which will be housed within, allowing scientists to gain the most accurate test results possible. Total floor space for the structure amounts to over 17 football pitches, which includes labs, teaching facilities, offices and public spaces.
Once the transfer from other facilities is completed, the Institute will house 1500 staff, which will include 1250 research scientists. The Institute will operate under a budget of £100m a year, which will be used to help treat cancer, heart disease, brain disorders and a further range of debilitating conditions.
Greg North expands on the importance of curved structural steel for the future of British construction: “Construction must move with the times, to allow better spaces for ourselves and future generations. We are delighted to have curved steel incorporated in signature structures such as the Francis Crick Institute, especially when the structure is utilised for such a vital purpose. By incorporating new techniques regarding structural steel, the design of any structure can be revolutionised in a truly cost effective manner. Curved structural steel means we can give architects the freedom of expression to change our world, rather than confining them in the limitations of conformity.”
In the aftermath of a split from Europe and the following uncertainty, it is vital that Britain retains its relevance in the high precision and skill industries it has traditionally excelled in. Scientific research is one of these key areas where British expertise is highly valued, and by investing in state-of-the-art facilities such as the Francis Crick Institute, this expertise will only grow.
By coupling innovative structural designs enabled by the work of structural fabrication experts with high quality services, Britain can retain its worldwide relevance and progression as a domestic economy that can attract investment from around the globe. Curved steel sections are a small part of protecting and progressing with the philosophy of a modern Britain, where, in this case at least, the pinnacle of scientific expertise is conjoined with world class facilities to achieve the discoveries of tomorrow, today.
