Allgood has delivered its Contego range of antimicrobial ironmongery at the new Francis Crick Institute research facility in London.

Designed by architects HOK with PLP Architecture, the facility was opened this year and built by Laing O'Rourke, with support from engineers Arup and AKT II.

At 170 metres long, the development comprises of almost one million sq ft of floor space over 12 floors, one third of which are below ground.

The overall building concept emphasises visual permeability, collaboration and innovative lab planning. The world-class facility aims to discover how and why disease develops in order to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions such as cancer, heart disease and stroke as well as infections and neurodegenerative conditions.

Allgood's Contego antimicrobial copper alloy ironmongery pull handles, push plates and electromagnetic locks are specified for use within a series of laboratory environments and in high traffic areas including the auditorium doors. In addition, Contego lever handles and bathroom turns have also been used for WC doors and storage cupboards throughout the building.


Providing specialist ironmongery advice and scheduling services, Allgood's role was of significant importance throughout the tendering and construction process.

Richard van den Bos, Product Manager at Allgood, said: "For leading medical research facilities such as the Francis Crick Institute, researching the fundamental biological processes underlying human health and disease, collaboration and innovation is key.

"Ideally suited and developed for medical environments is Allgood's innovative Contego range of ironmongery, formed of antimicrobial copper alloy. A unique product, the Contego range has the appearance of stainless steel, seamlessly integrating with surrounding ironmongery items, whilst harnessing the intrinsic benefits of antimicrobial copper.

"The most effective touch surface material in the fight against pathogenic microbes, antimicrobial copper continually kills greater than 99.9% of bacteria within two hours of exposure providing a long term, durable solution.

"In addition to more than 4,500 Contego items that were installed, Allgood also supplied an access control and door automation package including electronic handle sets and automatic door operators."

The Francis Crick Institute is an ambitious collaboration of six founding research partners: the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, Wellcome, UCL (University College London), Imperial College London and King's College London.

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