Oxford Architects provided detailed design and construction inspection services to the Design and Build Contractor, Bouygues UK, for the striking new UK headquarters of the European Space Agency.

Located in the heart of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, the 4,400 sqm ECSAT Building (European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications) accommodation includes office space, meeting and conference rooms, cafeteria and common rooms, with specialist areas for exhibitions, video conferencing and gymnasium. The building has been designed to be highly energy efficient. Sustainable features include a natural ventilation and cooling strategy, low ‘E’ triple glazing, active solar shading, ground source heat pumps, green roof, water efficient landscaping, SUDS (Sustainable urban drainage systems), active thermal massing and energy efficient lighting & control systems.

• Innovative Mechanical & Electrical strategy
• BREEAM Excellent
• Bouygues UK in situ and precast concrete system
• Close co-ordination with client and client side design team throughout design and build process