Anna Freud Centre – Focus on research and therapy
The new Anna Freud Centre building, located centrally near King's Cross, has created an innovative competence centre for child and adolescent psychology. The approximately 3,300 m² building brings together experts from neuroscience, education, and mental health under one roof—with the aim of developing new treatment approaches and working directly with affected children and families. The centre sees itself as a vibrant knowledge hub where research, therapy, and practice merge. The new building complements a listed former warehouse on the site of a former chocolate factory. The new volume is designed in staggered levels: up to three storeys at the rear and up to five along the street front. An open ground floor with communal facilities such as a café, library, and flexible workspaces connects the old and new buildings into a functional, open whole. Two different façade types emphasise the urban context: the fully glazed west façade opens the building to the park and creates bright rooms with wide views.
The courtyards also benefit from the transparent façade system. The north and south façades are clad with striking precast concrete elements in a geometric structure. Roof terraces on several levels offer green retreats. Measures such as heat recovery, passive cooling, natural ventilation, LED technology, promotion of biodiversity, and a sustainable rainwater system contribute to the BREEAM "Excellent" rating. BREEAM Excellent is a rating system originally from the UK for ecological and socio-cultural aspects of building sustainability.
Our products in use
High-quality GU fittings for parallel opening windows were used in the Anna Freud Centre. They enable natural ventilation, meet the highest requirements for comfort and security, and blend discreetly into the modern façade design.
For an elegant, homogeneous façade appearance—even with open windows. Continuously adjustable opening width, high air exchange rate, and no space required inside—ideal for natural ventilation concepts.
