Brass cladding helps to define the strong architectural character of a major new research centre in Midlothian, Scotland, housing 500 scientists and research staff.

The design of the Roslin Institute building by architects HDR, develops from a plan form based on the shape of a pair of chromosomes, with coloured panels representing the DNA 'fins' which link the office and research laboratory blocks together.

Architect Marc Edmondson commented: “The architectural treatment of the principal facades was the subject of serious focus. Brass was selected in dialogue with the client organisations. The choice was based upon how the patination would improve with age, adding to the statement of permanence that it would give this landmark building. The monolithic nature of the brass façade will contrast with glass curtain walling to the adjacent office accommodation.

“By providing varying textures of materials and cladding modules the volumes have taken on an expressive independence. This theme was further developed by using pre-patinated green copper to clad the curved walls of the auditorium. The boundary between internal and external spaces has been blurred by the continuation of the copper and brass cladding inside the building.” Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the £58m ‘Chromosome’ building will be a centre of excellence in areas including genetics, developmental biology, immunology and infectious disease, neuroscience and behaviour and animal sciences - bringing together experts in these fields under one roof.

The new building forms part of the University of Edinburgh's Easter Bush redevelopment project and is opposite a new vet school teaching building and the Hospital for Small Animals. As well as laboratories and office space, the building incorporates breakout areas and meeting areas to encourage collaboration on scientific research.