VMZINC flatlock panel shingles for University Teaching Hospital

The Queen Elizabeth University Teaching and Learning Centre, developed jointly by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and The University of Glasgow, is a £27 million project to provide a training environment for the clinical years of the undergraduate medical degree, postgraduate training facilities for medical staff and a large variety of NHS professionals. A VMZINC flatlock panel shingle façade was specified by BMJ Architects, using three complementary colours of PIMENTO Green, Blue and QUARTZ-ZINC. Meticulous attention to detail at the design and setting out stage was required to ensure that the shingles were positioned to meet the architects’ exacting brief. As well as the complex design, a key challenge faced by the team throughout the installation process was the incline of the building, which is on a continual, gradual slope. As the gable end elevations also slope, successfully maintaining the pattern and transitioning from the different areas of the building was critical to the success of this complex installation.

The four-storey building houses three floors devoted to a wide variety of learning and teaching facilities as well as social and public spaces. Key facilities include a 500-seat auditorium, conference space, lecture and seminar spaces, a teaching laboratory, a 12-bed clinical skills facility, learning resources centre and an e-library.

The 5800m² facility was designed with main contractor BAM to BIM level 2 compliance.