The New Queen Mary University Innovation Centre, Whitechapel

• Client: Queen Mary Bio Enterprises
• Contractor: Walter Lilly
• Architect: NBBJ
• Market Sector: Education
• Services: Building Control

The QMB Innovation centre provides laboratory space across three floors, the laboratories being fitted out to a category two standard. The labs have been designed to take both micro biological safety cabinets and chemistry fume cupboards and function as highly adaptable laboratory and write up space designed for start-ups in the biosciences, environmental, nanotech and clean-tech sectors.

The project initially involved demolition of an existing premises with temporary relocation of staff, students and site worker facilities in modular buildings adjacent to the build.

Piling and twin wall basement design was used to create a large basement area that contains University office accommodation, a large lecture theatre and break out space. Changing levels within a sloping lecture theatre can pose difficulties for wheelchair means of escape which we were able to advise on. Additional fire safety concerns ranged from means of escape, fire spread and occupancy rates. We collaborated with the team to achieve a building with a substantial margin for safety.

The project was an overall success and the copper cladding has now weathered which certainly makes this a striking looking build.