We are housed in an award-winning building designed by architects HOK with PLP Architecture.
Developed with input from scientists, local residents and community groups, the building supports the goals of the institute and promotes public engagement.
Architecturally, there are strong links between the new institute and the historic buildings in the local area. Both the masonry and the distinctive vaulted steel roof recall features of the adjacent St Pancras International station.
The two-storey vaulted roof is arranged into two shells. As well as creating an iconic shape, this conceals the heating and cooling units and incorporates solar panels. We also have wild roof gardens, and bat boxes to attract wildlife.
Large cantilevered bay windows along with tall glass atria reduce the impact of the building at street level and maintain natural light in both work and public areas. A third of the building is below ground to reduce its visible mass.
Within the building, the laboratories are arranged over four floors. A typical floor consists of four interconnected blocks or ‘neighbourhoods’ of laboratories which bring together staff working in different fields. The labs themselves are designed to be adapted as new scientific opportunities emerge in the future.