Colorminium Project: Royal Holloway University

Key Challenges

– Total façade package including responsibility for all interfaces and weather performance

– High specification glass and product finishes

– Fast installation with key co-ordination and interfacing with other trades

The Brief

Employed by contractor Osborne, Colorminium were involved in the scheme for over 2 years prior to commencement of the build. 

Working with Associated Architects from stage D, the key design details for the critical façade elements were developed through the architectural stages to a point where the project could be let under a 2-stage basis to Osborne. 

Working closely with all stakeholders, our brief was to bring the full façade envelope to a physical reality from the architectural vision.

Our Approach

Responsible for the whole façade envelope, carefully co-ordinated detailed design was needed to bring the varying cladding elements together. 

A concrete frame structure meant that Colorminium’s scope commenced with the lightweight steel framing infills in the solid wall build up areas. 

From there, glazing apertures were infilled with traditional stick curtain walling and then a feature surround that supported the horizontal terracotta brise soleil.

To the ground level cladding areas, ceramic cladding runs around the building whilst on the projecting bay that cloaks the ends of the atrium, the cladding material is pure bronze.  Down the east elevation, large projecting bays are also encapsulated with aluminium cladding.

At terrace and roof level, aluminium copings run around the perimeter, with large walk-on rooflights spilling light to the study spaces below.  Plant room cladding and louvre screens also fall within the envelope package.

The Result

The project was fully completed in June 2017, the finished article looks stunning and complements the adjacent Grade 1 listed building perfectly.