Menai Science Park (M-SPARC), Anglesey

Menai Science Park (M-SPARC) is Wales' first dedicated science park and flagship innovation hub developed by Bangor University. Located on the Isle of Anglesey, the 5,000 m² facility provides laboratories, office space, and specialist work areas for up to 700 occupants - from emerging start-ups to established technology companies.

Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects and delivered by Willmott Dixon, the building achieves BREEAM Excellent, reflecting the project's sustainability ambitions and its role in supporting low-carbon economic growth across North Wales.

A defining architectural gesture is the sweeping white "Ribbon" that wraps the floors, walls, and roof surfaces and frames the main glazed facade. The ability of the facade system to integrate precisely with this curved, multi-dimensional element was critical to realising the concept.

Facade Vision: Transparency, Openness and Performance

FaulknerBrowns designed the entrance - known as the Tanio space - to function as an open, collaborative forum bathed in natural light. The aluminium facade maximises views across Snowdonia, supporting visual connectivity between researchers, visitors and the landscape.

The architectural drivers include:

• High Transparency and Daylight

The facade forms the primary weather line, enabling a clean, uninterrupted glazed elevation. Its high structural capability allows expansive glass areas, supporting a bright, outward-looking interior.

• Energy Performance to Achieve BREEAM Excellent

Reducing operational energy was a core objective. The specification of high-performance aluminium facade, window and door systems helped meet demanding thermal requirements, supporting the project's environmental certification.

• Buildability and Precision on a Complex Curved Structure

Close collaboration between TECHNAL, the architect, the main contractor and the fabricator ensured the curtain wall geometry aligned with the fluid "Ribbon," including concealed areas where the system continues behind the rainscreen.

Technical Delivery

Early-Stage Collaboration

Given the complexity of the geometry, TECHNAL supported the project team during pre-construction to validate buildability, interface detailing and structural requirements. Early modelling informed:

• Curved facade alignment

• Drainage strategy behind the Corian® rainscreen

• Structural penetration through composite insulated spandrels

• Precision around curved corners where glazing extends beyond the visible line

Fabrication

Approximately 1,650 m² of aluminium curtain wall and glazing was fabricated. The aluminium profiles were curved at manufacture to follow the Ribbon's flowing silhouette. Key technical challenges include:

• Curved Facade Geometry

The facade spans 74m x 11m, following the complex 3d curvature of the Ribbon. Custom-curved aluminium elements were required to maintain structural performance and water management.

• Linking Walkway

A 6m glazed link connects the innovation hub to the main brick building. It double-pitched roof required significant compound-angle modelling to ensure structural continuity and maintain the architect's intended aesthetic.

• Integration with Building Movement and Cleaning Access

High-traffic aluminium door systems were incorporated at linkway entrances to allow access for MEWPs and maintenance teams.

Openings and Internal Glazing

Sliding and Hinged Doors

Aluminium sliding and lift-sliding door systems were used to open the cafeteria onto the courtyard - enhancing external amenity and supporting natural ventilation. Aluminium hinged doors were installed on upper levels, enabling secure and accessible balcony access.

Casement Windows and AOVs

More than 130 aluminium windows were installed throughout the building, including automated ventilation units within the facade zone and courtyard elevations. The windows were set within a contrasting palette of blue-grey brickwork and timber rainscreen cladding.

Double-height Internal Glazing

Aluminium facade systems were also used to form the dramatic double-height internal screen to the boardroom - achieving structural alignment beneath the Ribbon's complex roof geometry.

Materiality and Environmental Strategy

Marine-grade Finishes

Given the coastal location, the aluminium systems were specified in a marine-grade powder-coated finish (RAL 7031) to ensure long-term durability, corrosion resistance and reduced maintenance.

Sustainability Alignment

At Menai Science Park, the aluminium facade strategy reflects TECHNAL's wider commitment to low-carbon and circular construction. The project supports these principles through:

• Low-carbon aluminium innovation

The facade systems align with the principles of Hydro CIRCAL®, demonstrating how high-quality aluminium can contribute to reduced embodied carbon in complex architectural projects.

• Circular design thinking

The building envelope incorporates aluminium systems designed for longevity, disassembly and material recovery, supporting a more resource-efficient lifecycle.

• Reduced embodied carbon

By using aluminium manufactured with high recycled content and exceptional alloy purity, the project reinforces the environmental aims of the science park and contributes to its BREEAM Excellent performance.

Outcome

Menai Science Park stands as a benchmark for architectural expression, facade engineering precision and sustainability in the UK science and education sector.

The building demonstrates:

• Seamless integration of complex geometry

• High levels of natural light and visual connectivity

• Robust energy performance supporting BREEAM Excellent

• A collaborative project workflow, uniting architect, contractor, fabricator and TECHNAL

• An architectural identity defined by aluminium, light and movement

TECHNAL continues to support architects, contractors and developers across the UK and Ireland in delivering complex, high-performance facades that combine architectural ambition with sustainability leadership.

Discover more about TECHNAL's facade expertise