The construction of a new ‘BREEAM Excellent’ facility providing office and laboratory space.
The Centre for Innovation and Enterprise at Begbroke Science Park provides lettable office/laboratory space to high-tech, knowledge-based, start-up and spin-out companies from the University of Oxford.
Increasing demand for space at Begbroke led the client to commission the construction of a new purpose-built facility, adjoining the existing one, which doubled the available floor space.
Extensive glazing ensures a light and airy environment. The Cedar cladding provides an attractive and sustainable finish which will age gracefully with the building. New reception areas, and external landscaping provide a welcoming environment for visitors and tenants.
The project was fast track - taking only 30 weeks to complete.
The adjoining building was occupied with the tenants part-way through year-long trials. The project needed to be carried out with minimal disruption to the tenants and no loss of power, despite the requirement for diversion of the existing utilities.
Our works included removing the wall between the new building and the adjoining offices. Our focus was on preventing any potential dust and moisture from affecting ongoing experiments and manufacturing processes.
The design included the innovative use of cross laminated timber (CLT) panels as the inner leaf of the external walls
The construction involved a steel frame with rainscreen cladding and a partial CLT frame to provide a wall structure
The CLT wall panels were installed within two weeks, allowing our site team to work on internal and external elements simultaneously
Movement-sensitive experiments were being carried out whilst the project was in progress
Installation of an innovative riser shaft enables quick and easy access to service facilities for tenants as well as providing ducting to the roof, removing discharges from fume cupboards.
Provision of showers, changing rooms and cycle parking is designed to promote sustainable travel to and from the site, in keeping with the sustainable ethos of the University.
The University’s commitment to all of their major new buildings achieving BREEAM Excellent provided significant focus for the project. Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels provide energy to the building and high efficiency LED lighting with occupant sensors ensure efficient energy use.
Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) to landscaped areas and planting of new trees and grasses are all designed to protect the environment and promote biodiversity.