Balustrade aluminium panels at Queen Mary University London
Project summary: Queen Mary University
- Client: Queen Mary University London
- Location: East London
- Project: Refurbishment of Antenna Measurement Laboratory
- GA material supplied: Perforated aluminium balustrade panels
- Material thickness: 3mm aluminium with 22mm perforations
- Finish: Powder coated RAL 3020 Traffic Red
- Additional fabrication: Aluminium angle profiles for corner detailing.
Project background
From the archive: Queen Mary University London has been a leader in antenna research since 1968. The institution has gained an international reputation for its work in microwave antennas and electromagnetic analysis, supported by its dedicated Antenna Measurement Laboratory.
As part of a major refurbishment, the university invested just under £1.4 million to update the laboratory buildings and facilities. Gooding Aluminium was chosen to supply perforated aluminium balustrade panels that combined functionality, safety and architectural impact.
Project solution
Gooding Aluminium manufactured and supplied bespoke aluminium balustrade panels tailored to the university’s needs. Produced from 3mm aluminium sheet with 22mm diameter perforations, the panels delivered strength and precision while allowing airflow and light.
To ensure a professional finish, plain borders were incorporated on all sides. The panels were then powder coated in Traffic Red (RAL 3020), creating a bold statement that matched the contemporary refurbishment.
Fabricated aluminium angle profiles were also produced by GA’s London workshop to achieve neat and accurate corner detailing.
Benefits of perforated aluminium balustrade panels
Perforated aluminium balustrade panels are valued for their combination of performance and visual appeal. While used here as balustrade infills, they are equally suitable for screens, façades and interior design features.
Gooding Aluminium’s 5 Star Processing Service ensures that every order is tailored to project requirements. Options include:
- A wide choice of perforated sheet patterns.
- Made-to-measure balustrade components.
- Satin brush or powder-coated finishes.
- Plain borders and fixing holes where required.
- Panels suitable for both interior and exterior use.
This versatility makes aluminium panels a trusted solution for architects and contractors working across commercial, education and residential sectors.
Aluminium and sustainability
Perforated aluminium balustrade panels at Queen Mary University London. © Gooding Aluminium.
Another reason aluminium is widely used in architecture is its strong sustainability profile. Key environmental benefits include:
- 100% recyclable: Aluminium can be endlessly recycled without quality loss.
- Energy efficiency: Recycling aluminium uses just 5% of the energy needed to produce it from raw materials.
- Lightweight: Aluminium is one third the weight of steel, reducing transport costs and easing installation.
- Durability: Its natural oxide coating resists corrosion and self-repairs, lowering long-term maintenance costs.
- Future resource: Aluminium in use today is a stored energy bank for future generations.
By selecting aluminium balustrade panels, Queen Mary University ensured their refurbishment project was both practical and environmentally responsible.
Gooding Aluminium: Trusted supplier of architectural aluminium
Perforated aluminium balustrade panels at Queen Mary University London. © Gooding Aluminium.
Gooding Aluminium supplies high-quality aluminium sheets, profiles and extrusions to projects across the UK and internationally. Known for precision manufacturing and expert processing, GA offers practical, creative solutions for a wide variety of architectural applications.
The Queen Mary University case study demonstrates GA’s capability to deliver bespoke perforated aluminium balustrade panels tailored to client requirements. From initial design to fabrication and finishing, GA ensures accuracy, durability and visual impact.
Conclusion
The Queen Mary University refurbishment highlights the versatility and performance of perforated aluminium balustrade panels. Durable, sustainable and customisable, these panels provided both safety and design impact within the Antenna Measurement Laboratory.
For architects, contractors and specifiers, Gooding Aluminium offers expert advice, precision production and a wide range of finishes to suit modern architectural projects.
Explore more about bespoke aluminium balustrade panels and request samples at Gooding Aluminium