Funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Leeds University commissioned this refurbishment and extension project to expand the Centre of Excellence in Medical Engineering.
The Institute develops new ways to extend human joint and cardiovascular health, and is one of the world’s top 10 bioengineering research institutes. Using a Design and Build procurement route, GSSArchitecture were appointed by Miller Construction to design the project from Stage D to completion. The new steel frame extension was designed using a structural insulated panel external wall system, clad with Portland stone. This helped to enhance the image and profile of the WELMEC Centre within the University Campus, a key requirement of the brief. The construction process was challenging, given the restricted access to the site, and required careful planning and sequencing.
The new facilities help to support research, development and delivery of new types of intervention for musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. The building provides much needed research office facilities to support the Cartilage Biotribology and Knee Simulation Laboratories.
