Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, Leeds

The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease stands as a pioneering, purpose-built facility designed to support world-class care, research and therapy for people living with MND. Widely recognised as an exceptional achievement for Leeds and its healthcare community, the centre brings together services that were previously dispersed, creating a single, welcoming environment with an emphasis on comfort, dignity and natural light.

Within this context, Kingfisher Windows were appointed to design, supply and install a complete aluminium facade solution, working closely with the project team to ensure the building's architectural ambition and performance requirements could be achieved.

To meet the design and technical objective, the facade package incorporated:

• TENTAL 50 curtain walling

• SOLEAL Next 75 high-performance aluminium windows

• STII Commercial Door systems

The project required triple-glazed units, enhanced structural design coordination, and a full shift from the originally specified hybrid timber / aluminium system to a fully aluminium facade. TECHNAL systems were selected for their proven thermal, acoustic and structural performance - essential for a healthcare building with complex user and environmental needs.

A Collaborative, Detail-Driven Design Process

From the earliest stages, Kingfisher worked through a comprehensive design review with Corstorphine & Wright, I&G - Illingworth & Gregory Limited (Main Contractor), and the wider technical team. As the TECHNAL systems were new to Kingfisher's manufacturing line, the programme required significant preparation.

Given that the TECHNAL aluminium facade systems were new to Kingfisher's fabrication department, the company undertook extensive training on:

• Fabrication techniques

• Software and ordering processes

• Design detailing

• On-site installation best practice

TECHNAL supported the team every step of the way - providing technical assistance, estimating support, system guidance, and both factory-based and on-site training. This partnership ensured that Kingfisher Windows could deliver the facade confidently and to the required standard, despite the complexity and structural demands of the project.

Precision Installation for a Complex Build

The installation involved handling large and heavy glass units, requiring a crane and a specialist fixing team with extensive aluminium facade experience. Their skill and coordination ensured the facade was installed efficiently, safely and in line with the project's quality expectations. The structural complexity of the building meant more input was needed from structural engineers than on a typical facade installation - an area where Kingfisher's technical preparation and detailed approach proved invaluable.

A Project Built on Partnership

The Rob Burrow Centre for MND has been celebrated not only as an architectural achievement, but as a meaningful investment in the lives of patients, families, clinicians and researchers. Its delivery required genuine collaboration across the design, contracting and fabrication teams.

Kingfisher Windows' precision workmanship, supported by TECHNAL's full suite of technical, fabrication and on-site training assistance, ensured a facade that reflects both the engineering demands of the project and the human importance of the building.