Complimenting the surrounding buildings
London Institute for Healthcare Engineering (LIHE)
BUILT YEAR
2023-2024
ARCHITECT
HLM Architects
CONTRACTOR
GIG FASSADEN
DEVELOPER
King’s College London
Designing with nurturing and facilitating intention
LIHE (The London Institute for Healthcare Engineering) is a new build that will provide a meeting point of healthcare and education to generate research innovation and shorten the journey from invention to patient impact.
The Institute is located in the London Borough of Lambeth’s Albert Embarkment Conservation Area, and placed in amongst Henry Currey’s 1868 Grade II listed group of Venetian-inspired buildings, which are an early example of the pavilion type of hospitals that would later become the standard for Victorian healthcare buildings.
Complimenting the surrounding buildings
The location of LIHE set the tone for the external design of the building – while innovators' needs, and the facilitation of collaboration-needs inspired the interior.
HLM Architects notes that “the confident contemporary architecture compliments the surrounding buildings in form and materiality without resorting to pastiche and was unanimously approved by the Planning Authority.”
For LIHE we have manufactured approx. 790 GRC elements, of 12-15mm thickness, in just over 130 variants. Together the elements constitute approx. 1700m2 (unfolded) of high-quality GRC. All elements are manufactured with recessed holes - either solely or in combination with embedded stainless-steel brackets. All recessed holes come with plugs to ensure hidden installation of all elements.
Durable, lightweight, formable
GRC cladding
Through design and manufacturing we help architects, entrepreneurs, and builders create unique, durable, and sustainable facades. Whether you are starting construction on a new build or embarking on a renovation project, GRC is suitable for both.
Glassfibre reinforced concrete (GRC or GFRC) is incredibly versatile and grants you an architectural design freedom with almost endless possibilities. With the formability of GRC you can achieve any geometry and with a surface designed for your specific project. GRC is a lightweight material and our cladding elements are typically only 12 mm. Thus, making it easier to work with and transport whilst also easing the load on buildings.
GRC is an excellent facade material if durability and sustainability is of great concern and importance. GRC is durable for more than 100 years without any technical maintenance and it does not dent, rot, corrode, nor burn (class A material). With a sustainable material and an environmentally friendly production without toxic materials, GRC elements from BB fiberbeton are ideal for environmental certifications, such as LEED, DGNB, and BREEAM.
GRC is made of white cement and fine aggregates and reinforced with glassfibre. Elements are produced using a special spray-technique that allows for a low water/cement-ratio, a low thickness, and a high strength.
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