Gallery
A Modern Façade with Historical Roots
The Usher Institute
BUILT YEAR
2021-2024
ARCHITECT
Hassell Studio
CONTRACTOR
McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd.
DEVELOPER
The University of Edinburgh
A Hub for Data-Driven Health and Social Care
Developed for The University of Edinburgh, designed by Hassell Studio and build by McLaughlin & Harvey Construction Ltd., this world-class research and teaching facility brings together over 900 researchers, health and care providers, and industry partners to accelerate data-driven solutions in the health and social care sectors.
A project with ambitious goals and a vital mission, as highlighted by Professor Sir Aziz Sheikh, Director of the Usher Institute:
"Collaboration is at the core of our data-driven vision for the new building, bringing together outstanding academic and clinical expertise within the Usher Institute, alongside companies and health and social care providers. Working together, we hope to find solutions to some of the biggest health challenges facing our country, delivering better health and care for those in the region and across Scotland."
A Modern Façade with Historical Roots
With it’s modern and sleek façade, the Usher Institute has already become a landmark of Edinburgh, designed by Hassell Studio to visually connect to the rich history of the area and the city’s historic castles through a simple, repetitive arrangement of its façade.
The façade elements are just 15 mm thick, made from our high-quality GRC. For this project we have produced a total of 793 elements, with 35 major and 101 minor variants, corresponding to 3673 m2 (unfolded) GRC. All with a design life of 100+ years. Elements were made in two different shades, coloured through and with exposed aggregates, bespoke and meticulously designed to match the architectural vision of Hassell Studio.
Our high-quality, sprayed GRC elements for the Usher Institute offers a perfect blend of functionality, durability, and aesthetic sophistication that aligns with the project’s ambitious goals and aspirations.
Video:
You can find a video of the finished project on YouTube, here.
The video was made by Avtek Solutions, who were responsible for installing our GRC elements for the project.
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.
We help you shape your idea