Science Gallery

Science Gallery

THE CHALLENGE

Several metres of external balustrade in a bespoke finish were required to complement the £12m refurbishment of the world renown Science Gallery. To deliver against this requirement not only meant the aesthetics of the finish needed to be spot on, but there was also a clear focus on meeting the budget and durability of the finish for public use.

THE SOLUTION

Working with the architect, Bradleys were able to offer what was needed – providing a bespoke finish – a combination of Brushed Brass from our Metalite Collection of real metal finishes together with a Textured Charcoal finish.

The balustrades were fabricated in mild steel for durability and then prior to the unique finishing, corrosion protection was given using Bradleys Qualizinc Arc Metal Spray. The uniqueness of the finish was then born out of providing a dual finish on the prefabricated balustrade.

The upright supports were finished in Bradley’s renown BR0508 Textured Charcoal. Then following precision masking, the handrails were completed in bespoke Metalite Brushed Brass before being patinated and waxed accordingly.

So from a fully fabricated balustrade, Bradleys finishes were used to create a durable, budget appropriate and unique dual finish to the Science Gallery.

THE DETAIL

Located in Boland House a Grade II listed building from the Georgian era, the Science Gallery is well situated on a prestigious site opposite London Bridge and at the foot of the Shard. Being of international interest it strengthens the research values of Kings College London.

With an exceptional internal public courtyard taken back from car park use and an opening up of the frontage, the architect has really taken the complexities of working in a listed building and turned them into a well-balanced functional design. Bradleys were able to apply finishes which provided instant historical value to assist in retaining the ancient landmark in a re-imagined and modern way.

Project Data

Location – King’s College London Guy’s Campus

Sector – Civic and Culture

Completion – 2018

Items Coated – Public Realm Mild Steel Balustrades

System – Powder Coat & Real Metal Coating

Durability – 25+ Years External

Finish – Dual Finish. Bespoke MET102 Brushed Brass & BR0508 Charcoal Texture