Sustainable expansion at Begbroke Science Park

Modern commercial or institutional building with light brickwork, large vertical windows, and horizontal black louvers. The structure features rounded corners, white horizontal bands between floors, and a landscaped frontage with young trees and wooden fencing under an overcast sky.

Key takeaways

12,500

m² expansion of Begbroke Science Park

£59

million project includes two lab-enabled buildings for research and commercial use

2

biodiversity areas planted as wildflower meadows enhancing social and cultural value

Begbroke Science Park won “Commercial Project of the Year 2024”
Surpassed client expectations by delivering an airtightness score of 1.2m³/hr/m², showcasing superior insulation
Utilised a sustainable Anchorbloc hoarding system made from 98% recycled steel and sustainably sourced concrete.

The University of Oxford envisioned an expansion of Begbroke Science Park that would revolutionise both academic research and commercial innovation. Opened in 2024, this £59 million project forms part of a £4bn expansion plan for the Begbroke innovation district between the University of Oxford, Oxford University Development (OUD) and Legal & General.

The expansion features two lab-enabled, three-storey buildings: one for academic research and the other for commercial use. The 5,000 sqm academic building is dedicated to the university’s research, while the 7,500 sqm commercial building offers flexible laboratory space for life science partners and market tenants. These buildings support diverse laboratory types and evolving research demands through reconfigurable spaces, all whilst fostering innovation across various scientific fields.

We prioritised social and cultural value by incorporating two wildflower meadow biodiversity areas, a new cycleway link, and a public art piece by the Turner Prize winning practice Assemble.

By integrating Passivhaus principles, we achieved a blend of modernity, comfort, and sustainability. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery significantly improved indoor air quality while conserving energy. We exceeded client expectations with an airtightness score of 1.2 m³/hr/m², indicating superior insulation and an energy-efficient design.

Sustainable features include solar panels and an Anchorbloc hoarding system made from 98% recycled steel and sustainably sourced concrete. Our ‘off-site first’ approach to manufacturing helped save time and labour, and reduced construction waste by pre-installing brick slip cladding units with concrete backing and windows.

The project has won Commercial Project of the Year 2024 and the Green Building and Design Award at the Oxford Climate Awards 2024. Begbroke Science Park is set to be a landmark of progress and sustainable construction in Oxfordshire.