Respecting the past, shaping the future
The design celebrates and reflects both the site’s industrial past and St Mary’s Hospital’s heritage of research and innovation. It does this by:
- Retaining heritage features whilst also incorporating a modern vertical extension, reflecting the contemporary context of the site.
- Sensitively extending the top of the existing building by four storeys, with an additional rooftop terrace.
- Creating a ‘veil’ exterior with a lightweight façade made of perforated and patterned metal screen, which gives delicacy and depth to the building. This will create a lantern effect and signify the global importance of the centre.
- Extending the life and history of The Bays by retaining and preserving the external walls and historic features, as well as reusing reclaimed materials from the site.
Image caption: Sketches of the Fleming Centre.
Materials
The materials for the new centre have been thoughtfully selected to honour the site’s history while introducing contemporary elements:
- Modern architectural elements: Aluminium windows and copper rainscreen panels offer a modern aesthetic that complements the surrounding architecture.
- Durability and low maintenance: These materials are robust and require minimal upkeep, ensuring longevity.
- Distinctive identity: The façade design creates a welcoming and distinctive appearance, enhancing the Centre’s presence.
Image caption: Material samples and façade illustration.