The major themes of epilepsy research carried out at the NSE site are brain imaging, genetics, pharmacology, epidemiology and psychology. The team’s current facilities for clinical research and genetics are very limited, and in accommodation that is not fit for purpose.
The new Clinical Research Centre creates a quadrangle with existing clinical facilities in the Gowers Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre and the MRI Unit. Activities within the new building – medical offices, clinical consulting rooms and research area, will be contiguous, resulting in maximum efficiency of use and communication for staff and patients. The office/consulting part of the building is two storeys, split into two wings that are angled to follow the building lines of immediate neighbours with a splayed section between that incorporates the main entrance, reception and staircase. The research part of the building is single storey with plant in the roofspace above.
External walls are brickwork up to cill height with roughcast render up to first floor cill and smooth render up to the eaves soffit. Roofs are hipped with gablets and exposed rafter ends, and covered in interlocking clay tiles that match the roofs of the listed buildings on the NSE site. Rooflights on the apex of the roofs over each wing of the office building light the coffee area and the research office.