Temple Bank House, Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary

The Bradford Institute for Health Research had a clear vision for its medical research building; to act as a beacon for the world-leading research undertaken and provide a welcoming and stimulating environment for the staff and visitors alike.

The design grew through the desire for the building to have its own identity, a clear entrance with simple circulation and clearly defined separation between visitor and staff areas. The confined site gave rise to a strong elegant building form, set in its context at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

A simple pallet of Accoya acetylated wood and through-coloured render were crisply detailed to define the elements of the building. The act of curving the façade around the building merges the south and east elevations together to form one long ribbon element, leading visitors and occupants to the building’s point of access.  The simple rhythm of the vertical timber modules depict the window openings within the timber to reveal the Kawneer metal framed windows.  The end result is a very simple building which sits in harmony with its surrounding and delights its occupants.