DC1 Solar Wall Principal Contractor

The Museum is undertaking a procurement process to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Principal Contractor with specialist façade expertise on a Design and Build basis for the design, engineering, procurement, manufacture, installation and completion of the works associated with the upgrade and replacement of the DC1 Glass Solar Wall within the Museum estate. The Contractor shall provide all resources, specialist façade design input, management, supervision and coordination necessary to deliver the works in accordance with the Contract, detailed performance specification and Employer’s Requirements.

The Darwin Centre Phase 1 (DC1) is a prominent building in the Museum complex visible from Queens Gate in South Kensington and overlooking the newly created and award winning UNP gardens. The replacement of this façade will enable this section of the site to be returned to operational functionality and integrated back into full use.

An investigative study was commissioned by the Museum following the failure of three glass panels on the South Facing ‘Solar Wall’ elevation of the DC1. The solar wall was installed in 2002, and the secondary components within façade systems such as these usually have an expected service life of 25 years if correctly maintained.