Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
The legibility and capacity of the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine was improved following the extension and refurbishment of facilities within a major NHS Trust hospital site.
The WIMM was established in 1989 by Sir David Weatherall and is a leading University of Oxford research institute. The Institute employs over 400 scientists researching diseases from Cancer
to AIDS.
The existing buildings were not adequate for the Institute’s growth or profile and comprised of two rectangular blocks situated side-by-side: one two storey and the other three storey. To provide the accommodation required and to make these buildings more legible, the two storey building was extended by a floor and two new three storey buildings were created to fill the gap between the buildings.
Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
At the heart of the scheme, a single storey top-lit interaction area with a green sedum roof was created. This is an inspiring space that encourages discourse and interaction. A new more prominent entrance at the front of the building gives the WIMM a greater sense of identity.
Close collaboration with the NHS Trust was required as the building is situated within the John Radcliffe Hospital. Complex phasing of the construction was implemented to minimise disruption to the Institute, which remained fully operational throughout the duration of the contract.
Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
Following the success of this project, Berman Guedes Stretton was commissioned to do a feasibility study to refurbish the lower floors of the existing buildings.
Client: The University of Oxford Estates Directorate
Completion: 2005
Contract Value: £8.5m
