Working alongside our partner contractors Willmott Dixon once again, the Greenhey’s project has been a hugely rewarding, architecturally challenging scheme that has seen us push the boundaries of design and embrace new, cutting-edge products.
The Details
We used the innovative CW50 product from Reynaers, specially engineered for this project, along with bespoke dies that were produced for the feature fins. We also utilised Saint Gobain glass (COOL-LITE XTREME 70/33) and United Anodisers for the bespoke project finish in Green and Blue-Grey.
As always, price was a key driver for this design led structure & the Reynaers team understood the brief intrinsically and engineered an innovative and cost-effective solution that embraced the fundamentals of the design.
Technical support also played a huge part. Working alongside our specialist designers and façade engineers (at Design Engine), the Reynaers team worked collaboratively to help develop a solution for the vertical and horizontal feature fins
This collaborative approach to develop bespoke profiles to match the overall architectural intent was fundamental to the successful delivery of this landmark structure.
Installation
Notwithstanding the fact that the design of the building is so unique, installation was relatively standard with façade access enabled via mast climbers, with stick build for grid and glass lift from inside.
By adopting a highly flexible approach, we were able to work from MEWP’s to lower floors in order to progress the installation prior to mast climbers being installed. Specialist tower cranes were then used to install the glazing for the large, curved, insulated glass panels.
Once fully completed, Greenheys will span 131,000 sq ft across six floors and will redefine the landscape of specialised laboratory spaces for diagnostics, genomics, biotech and precision medicine businesses, forming part of Bruntwood SciTech’s ever-growing portfolio.
It is set to help revolutionise the pace of scientific discovery as the future HQ of UK Biobank, the world’s most comprehensive source of health data for research.
Client Feedback – Chris Baker – Project Director, Willmott Dixon:
“It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with the team from RED Systems once again on this landmark science and research facility in Manchester. The unique design and exacting specifications meant the RED team really had to think outside the box and work extremely closely with our project team and designers throughout the build process. Another impressive example of collaboration and innovation in action, bringing this challenging project to life on time and on budget”
Greenheys has been a fantastic project for RED Systems to deliver alongside our valued customer Willmott Dixon. It’s a true example of what can be achieved when early collaborative engagement is prioritised – resulting in the right product, at the right price, delivered on time and to the highest quality.
From the outset, we were engaged through a two-stage tender process, working closely with Willmott Dixon to develop a design solution and cost plan that aligned with the client’s budget. This early involvement allowed us to integrate key interfacing packages, understand design complexities, and co-develop a delivery strategy that was both efficient and robust.
Over a 27-week programme, we installed 5,000m² of complex curtain walling and SFS, including a technically challenging feature fin. Our approach- pre-manufacturing and storing components off-site- ensured timely, sequenced deliveries and smooth installation. The project was delivered on time and stands as a benchmark for our capability in façade delivery.
We’re proud to say that Greenheys has been nominated for “Best Use of Curtain Walling” at the UK Façade Awards this November – a recognition of the professionalism, planning, and execution that went into this scheme.
At RED Group, we don’t just deliver buildings- we build lifetime partners, and Greenheys is a shining example of that.
