The London Institute for Healthcare Engineering Shortlisted for European Healthcare Design Award

A transformative collaboration with King’s College London, LIHE stands as a benchmark for modern design, innovation, and sustainability in healthcare and life sciences. Situated in the heart of London within the historic Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital campus, the facility embodies a forward-thinking approach to the convergence of medicine, education, and engineering—bringing together academics, clinicians, industry leaders and researchers in a space designed to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of cutting-edge treatments.

LIHE’s design is deeply rooted in its context, with a material palette and architectural response that respects and complements the surrounding Grade I & II listed buildings. The challenge of creating a state-of-the-art research hub within such a historic setting was met with a careful blend of contemporary form and contextual sensitivity, resulting in a building that is as innovative as it is respectful of its environment.

At the heart of LIHE’s vision is the “Research Eco-system” – a concept realised through highly adaptable spaces, flexible floorplates, and advanced facilities. The transparent façade, featuring a striking helix staircase, not only offers visual connection to the building’s interior but also reflects the collaborative ethos at the centre of its design. Internally, spaces can be seamlessly reconfigured to support both open-plan teamwork and individual research, thanks to demountable partitions and flat-slab construction which allow for effortless adaptation.

Sustainability was central to every stage of the project. LIHE is King’s College London’s most environmentally sustainable building to date, achieving BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, and surpassing the London Plan’s net zero-carbon targets with a 35% reduction in regulated carbon emissions. The building incorporates photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, and a passive design façade to ensure minimal environmental impact. Its adaptable interiors also support circular design principles, extending the building’s life cycle and allowing it to evolve alongside research needs.

King’s College London played an integral role in shaping the facility, participating in all phases of the project—from strategy to delivery. Through collaborative engagement and digital tools such as HLM Insight and HLM Healthcheck, the project team ensured the building met the university’s operational, research, and wellbeing objectives.

We are also excited to announce that as part of the European Healthcare Design Conference, HLM and King’s College London will be hosting an exclusive tour of LIHE on Day 4 of the event, giving attendees an in-depth look at the building’s pioneering design and functionality.

As we look ahead to the Awards Ceremony on 10 June, we’re proud to be recognised alongside such outstanding international projects and extend our best wishes to all fellow finalists.