Bradfield Centre, Trinity College Cambridge
31st July 2018

Aluminium glazing systems by Kawneer, including its AA100 Structurally Silicone Glazed curtain walling, with AA720 doors and open-in side-hung vents, were used in the two main facades of the £20 million John Bradfield Centre at the Cambridge Science Park, owned by Trinity College Cambridge.

Its crescent-shaped form, designed to BREEAM “Excellent” by architects Aukett Swanke, uses the curtain walling, with 50mm sightlines and 300mm feature caps, windows and doors on the main rear façade, where visitors enter the site, and on the main façade.

A triple-height atria feature is arranged on an axis from the main entrance and is highlighted as an accent feature on the convex lakeside façade. These were installed over ten months by JPJ Installations for main contractor SDC.

The main entrance is positioned eccentrically on the inner concave facade and is approached via a generous pedestrian avenue. The primary core areas, escape stairs and risers are positioned within the inner, concave zone of the floorplate, leaving the outer zone free for flexible office configurations, all enjoying superb views over the lakeside setting.

The northern and southern facades are almost completely clad. The core areas are expressed on the concave facade, while the western elevation is completely glazed to maximise daylight and lake views. Deep projecting mullions are employed on this facade to shield the solar path. These are coloured yellow.

External materials express the form of the 55,600ft2 building using simple full-height vertical aluminium cladding, complemented by the Kawneer windows that run from floor to ceiling.

Aukett Swanke architect Nayan Dhamdachia said: “The Kawneer systems met the overall vision that was set out during the early design stages in regards to the overall concept, thickness of profiles and sightlines. They integrate with openable panels and striking yellow fins. The glazed elements enhance the well-being of the building, bringing as much light as possible deep into the floorplates.”

www.kawneer.co.uk