ARC Oxford
Transforming two existing buildings at ARC Oxford into flexible, fully fitted CL2 laboratories and offices, creating more than 15,000 sq ft of adaptable space for the campus’s growing science and innovation community.
As part of the continued development of the campus, Area transformed Buildings 4610 and 4620 into modern, lab-enabled workplaces.
Together, the two buildings provide 15,300 sq ft of fully fitted laboratory and office accommodation, with an approximately 50:50 split between the two. Designed to operate independently or connect for a single occupier, the scheme combines the specialist infrastructure required for Containment Level 2 research with flexible, contemporary workspace.
Client
Advanced Research Clusters (ARC)
Services
Office Design, Laboratory Design, Construction
Size
15,300 sq ft
Location
Oxford, UK
Unlocking new potential
Rather than starting from new, the project focused on transforming two existing office buildings into modern environments capable of supporting scientific research.
The challenge was to introduce the specialist infrastructure required for CL2 laboratories while retaining and upgrading as much of the existing buildings as possible.
Flexibility was central to the approach. The spaces needed to accommodate the requirements of different science and technology businesses, while allowing ARC to respond to changing occupier requirements as its Oxford community continues to grow.
Buildings 4610 and 4620 were therefore designed to function as independent workplaces or connect to create a larger laboratory and office environment for a single organisation.
Creating lab-ready environments
The refurbishment included a comprehensive upgrade of the building services and laboratory infrastructure.
New HVAC systems provide six air changes per hour within the laboratory areas, supported by Vulcathene drainage, Cat 5 water and specialist gas provision.
High-level utility panels provide access to power and data, while vinyl laboratory flooring, wipeable ceiling finishes, external gas storage and fitted benching create environments ready to support CL2 research.
The high-level services strategy was designed with future change in mind. Laboratory layouts can be adapted as occupier requirements evolve, reducing the need for significant alterations to the underlying infrastructure.
Alongside the laboratories, dedicated office and write-up areas create a balanced environment for both scientific and desk-based work.
Extending the life of the buildings
The transformation went beyond the laboratories themselves.
The existing buildings were upgraded to improve their performance, accessibility and long-term use. The existing roof was retained and supplemented with photovoltaic panels, while external walls and windows were upgraded using more energy-efficient materials.
Automatic entrance doors and a new passenger lift improve accessibility throughout the buildings.
The surrounding environment was also considered as part of the transformation. New screened plant and bin enclosures and secure cycle stores were introduced, alongside upgraded paving, parking and new soft and hard landscaping designed to integrate the buildings with the wider ARC Oxford campus.
Built around occupier flexibility
The defining feature of Buildings 4610 and 4620 is their ability to adapt.
Together they provide 1,429 sq m of laboratory and office accommodation, but each building can operate independently. They can also be connected to create a larger environment for a single occupier.
This gives ARC greater choice in how the space is offered while providing science businesses with somewhere capable of responding as their requirements change.
By combining fully fitted CL2 laboratories, contemporary workspace and adaptable technical infrastructure within two upgraded existing buildings, the project creates a flexible platform for the next generation of science and technology businesses at ARC Oxford.