Archetech Issue 21 2015 | Page 41

Jestico + Whiles’ design delivers a world-leading research and incubator centre which is dedicated to the development of graphene and will be an essential component in UK’s bid to remain at the forefront of the commercialisation of this pioneering and revolutionary material. Located in the University Campus’ Science Quarter, the National Graphene Institute is housed in a compact 7,825m2 five-storey building, with the main cleanroom located on the lower ground floor to achieve best vibration performance. The ceiling of the clean room is cleverly angled all the way around the outside of the building so that from the pavement, the cleanroom and scientists are visible to the public. The building also includes a second cleanroom in addition to laser, optical, metrology and chemical laboratories, offices and ancillary accommodation such as a seminar room that opens out on to a roof terrace with a bio-diverse roof garden. Architects: Jestico + Whiles www.jesticowhiles.com Photographs: Hufton+Crow, Daniel Shearing