The Pears Building

Working at the intersection of science and healthcare, the building combines specialist laboratory facilities, clinical research environments, collaboration spaces and patient-focused accommodation. By bringing these functions together under one roof, the development strengthens connections between research, clinical practice and patient experience.

BMJ’s role included the briefing and planning of highly specialised laboratory environments to support infection, immunity and transplantation research. Careful consideration was given to biosafety, specialist servicing requirements and operational workflows, creating technically robust facilities that support leading-edge biomedical research while remaining practical and efficient for everyday users.

Alongside research facilities, the building provides Royal Free Charity accommodation, landscaped courtyards and a patient hotel for clinical trial participants, visiting academics and relatives. Together, these elements create a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration, supports wellbeing and helps connect scientific discovery with patient benefit.

Scientists at the Pears Building study diseases such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, and hepatitis, as well as new therapies to stop the rejection of transplants. Co-ordination of all design disciplines from the outset was critical to interface component design with fabric design.

Transfer air volumes between spaces from low to high risk were determined on the requirements for a minimum air change rate and the equipment extract within a space.

The building was designed to a general level of ACDP 2, but the areas dealing with pathogens particularly harmful to humans were designed and constructed to ACDP 3 containment requirements.

A graduated biosecurity approach is integrated into the building fabric, air systems, security and operational protocols as staff move from lower to higher risk areas.