Project Details
Architect:
Abell Nepp
Main Contractor:
RG Carter
Products:
Bespoke Perforated Aluminium Panels & Support System
Awards:
Industrial Perforators Association – 2016 Winner
The new £9.7 million Kitchen Garden Enclosure development at Cambridge’s Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, designed by Abell Nepp, features Ash & Lacy perforated panels that incorporate a complex wildlife illustration.
In conjunction with main contractor RG Carter, Ash & Lacy created a bespoke pattern of perforations which, when installed, created an illustration of philogenetic espaliers depicting the Tree of Life, Primate, Insect and Cell, designed by artists Timorous Beasties. Several separate panel operations were involved, from perforating and curving, to installation of the black fabric material behind the perforations whilst ensuring the panels stayed together and remained rigid. The panels were originally designed at a 3.9m width. However, the number of required perforations removing a high percentage of material, raised fragility, damage in transit and on site concerns. We therefore worked with the client and redeveloped the panels at a reduced size of 1.95m long. The project consisted of approx. 289 panels, each with its own bespoke perforated pattern. Panels were individually and sequentially marked to ensure easy and accurate installation to the desired pattern.