Professors André Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize for Physics for isolating the world’s first 2D material, graphene. Built to enable collaboration between academia and industry, the National Graphene Institute has successfully accelerated commercial applications.

Novoselov himself played a vital role in the design, ensuring the exacting requirements of world leading research were met. The main cleanroom is cocooned below ground at bedrock level to minimise vibration and electromagnetic interference. Its walk-in plenum purifies the air below but potentially presented a blank streetscape. The ingenious solution places a viewing gallery at the cleanroom perimeter with a glazed façade overhead revealing views into the state-of-the-art science.

Above, naturally ventilated offices adjoin flexible open plan laboratories. A smaller cleanroom connects with its subterranean partner with a clean lift. Modular specialist labs requiring isolation congregate within an inner volume. Utilities are housed in a seamlessly integrated isolated structure. Novoselov and his colleagues have applauded the design for its functionality and adaptability.

Breathing space is carved out facilitating collaboration. A double height breakout area houses a sculptural connecting stair, writable walls promote serendipitous exchange, a flexible seminar and event space opens onto a southerly terrace and biodiverse garden.

Novoselov even had a hand in the building’s twin skin. Economic industrial cladding forms the inner envelope and an undulating outer veil of polished black steel, punctured with a grid of tiny hexagons, references graphene’s atomic structure. These perforations vary subtly in size, creating the illusion that the scientist’s formulas are imprinted onto the building itself.

6. Perforated steel south façade detail