Caudwell International

Description of the project

Opened in November 2018, Caudwell International Children’s Centre is the UK’s first independent purpose-built facility dedicated to autism diagnosis, therapy and research. The 60,000 square foot building at Keele University Science and Innovation Park was designed by host charity Caudwell Children and architects C4 Projects, to provide a bespoke supportive environment for disabled people, with a particular focus on the needs of children with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. The building, which won the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Project of the Year 2019, has a very warm, welcoming and natural appearance.

The curvilinear design is highly attractive but functional, with the exterior façade inclined outwards up to 22 degrees. Curved glass, punch windows and precast stone panels make up the envelope on a figure-of-eight footprint.

Guardian SunGuard® SN 40/23 coated solar control glass was chosen for the glazed façade, including curved sections. The glass offers very high natural light transmission, while helping energy savings through solar protection and thermal insulation. With a neutral transmitted and reflected colour, the glass has a sophisticated appearance that is ideal for fully glazed facades.