Francis Crick Institute, London

Pioneering use of Levolux’s Infiniti fins

Levolux provided innovative architectural screening solutions at this iconic London institute.

In creating a home for The Francis Crick Institute, it was imperative that the building matched the ambition of this pioneering biomedical research institute.

Product Features

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Infiniti Aluminium Fins up to 750mm wide and 9m long

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Infiniti Glass Fins contained mono-crystalline PV Cells

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Infiniti Aluminium Fins twisted along their length

Products

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Infiniti Aluminium Aerofoil Fins

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Infiniti Aluminium Bespoke Fins

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Infiniti Glass Fins

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Ligniti Ventilation Louvres

infiniti fins installed at the francis crick institute
side shot of the francis crick institute architecture
francis crick institute, london

The Francis Crick Institute – named after the Nobel prize winner who, together with James Watson, discovered the structure of the DNA molecule – is at the forefront of medical research. The Institute strives to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. The 82,578m2 facility near St Pancras in London underpins the interdisciplinary and collaborative methods of the Institute’s work.

This iconic building has a vaulted roof that is arranged into two shells – concealing and shading the heating and cooling units. Each shell is formed from a variety of Infiniti screening fins and Ligniti louvres that combine to create an attractive, yet multifunctional enclosure.

Levolux designed, supplied and installed almost 2400 Infiniti fins, comprising a mix of aluminium (solid, perforated, straight and twisted fins) and glass. The fins vary in size, with widths ranging from 150mm up to 750mm and lengths of up to 9m. Custom brackets were designed by Levolux to facilitate the smooth operation of lifting and securing them into place.

The roof screening solution by Levolux was not simply for aesthetic reasons. The installed solution provides solar shading and ventilation to the mechanical and electrical plant and equipment at roof level, allowing them to operate efficiently. In addition, the Infiniti glass fins contain building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels that generate energy. Over 800 custom-built solar panels were incorporated into more than 400 of the Infiniti fins, fixed to south-facing sections of the roof. The laminated Glass PV Fins are formed from toughened glass, sandwiching a PVB interlayer and mono-crystalline PV Cells.

The complete PV array, which is connected to the Building Grid, the BMS and EMS, is expected to generate around 204,200 kWh/year from a renewable energy source. This helps to satisfy the energy demands of the Institute, while significantly reducing its environmental footprint.

Beneath the shells of Infiniti fins that cloak the building’s roof, Levolux’s Ligniti Ventilation Louvres provide protective enclosures around key items of plant and equipment. Ligniti HP75 and HP50 louvre systems were installed to provide the airflow and weather resistance required for such items of roof plant and equipment.

The Infiniti aluminium fins at the Francis Crick Institute were finished with an anodised coating, whilst the Ligniti ventilation louvres were polyester powder coated in a contrasting dark grey colour.

Categories

STAKEHOLDERS

Architects: HOK with PRP Architecture
Project Managers: Arup

LOCATION

London, UK