Glass system to feature in biotech facility

A high-performance exterior glass system forms part of a biotechnology research and development facility due to be built in Beijing, it has been announced.

Due to cost $90 million (£46.4 million), the centre is set to be built at Zhongguancun Life Science Park and the glazing system will be operated by a sensor-activated blind system to control light and heat gain.

Employees at the facility will benefit from significant natural light, contributing to a pleasant working environment and reducing the structures dependence on electricity, architecture firm RMJM notes.

Other sustainable features of the building include a four-storey atrium to maximise the edifices natural ventilation, a solar thermal system to provide a significant portion of the structures hot water and a living roof to reduce storm water runoff pollution.

Meanwhile, it was recently reported in the Independent that the newly-refurbished St Martin-in-the-Fields church has made use of a range of original glazing techniques to allow natural light to enter subterranean rooms in the building.