Transforming the Campus’ Central Beating Heart
The Sulston Shared Facilities project involved the comprehensive refurbishment of an existing building on the Wellcome Trust Campus in Hinxton, aimed at enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. The brief included reorganising and upgrading various spaces, including the DiNA café, reception area, library, classrooms, shared meeting rooms, and office space for Gordon Dougan and his team, while also addressing acoustic and environmental challenges.
The design featured a recladding with high-specification glazing to meet the stringent environmental standards set by the Wellcome Trust. A distinctive arrangement of “twisted boxes” within a transparent envelope creates dynamic spatial experiences, celebrating key views from within the building. Balconies were incorporated to encourage interaction with the views at the upper levels and enhance the public areas on the ground floor.
The design featured a recladding with high-specification glazing to meet the stringent environmental standards set by the Wellcome Trust. A distinctive arrangement of “twisted boxes” within a transparent envelope creates dynamic spatial experiences, celebrating key views from within the building. Balconies were incorporated to encourage interaction with the views at the upper levels and enhance the public areas on the ground floor.
The orientation of the twisted boxes facilitates user movement and provides clear wayfinding through the diverse vistas. Projecting lanterns along the rear wall serve as markers, delineating various functional areas such as the library, lab portals, and restrooms.
Key project successes included the effective implementation of a complex molecular acoustic panel system, seamless integration of the external catering team fit-out, and successful completion of the refurbishment in a live environment, ensuring no disruption to ongoing campus operations.
Key project successes included the effective implementation of a complex molecular acoustic panel system, seamless integration of the external catering team fit-out, and successful completion of the refurbishment in a live environment, ensuring no disruption to ongoing campus operations.