The project was for the conversion of an existing industrial unit into a new incubator which includes R&D laboratories, office spaces, event and breakout spaces for ScienceCreates. The project provides a total of 30,000 sq ft, designed to create a supportive environment for creative scientific ventures.

The laboratories and offices are organised around a central atrium which contains the foyer, a flexible events space, break out spaces and a bar. The event space is located on a mezzanine which overlooks the double-height foyer.

The 15 laboratories are able to accommodate CL2 activities and are connected to their respective offices. The entire facility is mechanically ventilated from an upper service deck.

Externally, the façade was punctured to allow for large sections of curtain glazing thus improving presence externally and along the main road. At the rear of the building, the existing car park was also rearranged to accommodate the new use of the site.

Together with the Contractor and other consultants, we developed the design from Stage 4 up to completion, providing support at every step. Coordination between various design consultants, building control and Client was key so as to retain the vision pitched at Tender stage.

• Conversion of a 1980s warehouse into a science incubator
• Provides 15 laboratory spaces, offices, flexible events space and break-out areas
• Central mezzanine design within an atrium space for the flexible events space and foyer to create a supportive environment for new scientific ventures
• New curtain wall section to improve street scene