Situated at a strategic nexus point of the ARC Oxford campus, Plot 5000 aligns with the broader masterplan’s goal of creating a dynamic innovation place that embodies a forward-looking urban response, enhanced connectivity, and a commitment to communal and environmental well-being.
The state-of-the-art, lab-enabled office building is designed to cater to the evolving needs of scientific research and development. The project stands out for its forward-thinking approach to infrastructure, facilitating lab retrofitting with comprehensive ‘plug and play’ solutions, including primary plant, ductwork, pipework, risers, and fume extract routes. With a strategic focus on achieving a 70:30 ratio of lab-to-office provision, the building spans a minimum net internal area of 86,000 square feet, optimising space with a target efficiency of 78%.
The design has a singular, efficient core structure capped at ground plus five storeys, with essential plant equipment on the rooftop. This design enhances operational efficiency and also incorporates a welcoming south-facing entrance plaza, thoughtfully considering the potential for site entrance relocation to augment accessibility. It accommodates flexible lab/office layouts, including efficient circulation and the capability for subdivision into four distinct demises per floor. Ground floor amenities include a coffee bar, gym, and comprehensive end-of-journey facilities, complete with showers, catering to the daily needs of occupants.
The project extends its vision to outdoor spaces, exploring the potential for a rooftop terrace or events space and inviting south-facing tiered terraces on each level, enhancing the work environment with green, open spaces. Integral to the project is the creative remodelling of an existing water feature adjacent to the site, integrating it into the campus’ wider master plan and enhancing the surrounding green spine.
The engineering approach prioritises flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. The strategic placement of the building, facing John Smith Drive, and the thoughtful incorporation of landscape features underscore a design aimed at activating street-level engagement and integrating the building into the green fabric of the campus. The challenges of creating a lab-enabled office space in this context involve a nuanced understanding of structural requirements, the optimal use of space, grid layouts, material selection, and the integration of sustainable systems. The design’s emphasis on a “fabric first” approach to façade engineering, high thermal insulation, and the exploration with the M&E engineers of mixed-mode ventilation systems demonstrates a commitment to leveraging architectural and engineering responses to minimise environmental impact while enhancing user comfort and building performance.
The project ambitiously aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, Well Gold, and Carbon Net Zero certifications, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship. Strategies such as utilising carbon-negative materials, encouraging biodiversity, and promoting well-being through the design of active travel pathways and ample outdoor spaces highlight the project’s holistic approach to sustainability. This includes measuring the embodied carbon of structural options using the Price & Myers PANDA software tool, ensuring the building’s adaptability over time, and integrating low-carbon materials and technologies.
Understanding and addressing the needs of future users and adhering to the client’s brief have guided every decision in the project’s development. From ensuring the flexibility to accommodate four tenants per floor to preserving the existing number of parking spaces and exploring refurbishment options to reduce the carbon footprint, the project team has navigated complex considerations and third-party negotiations to devise solutions that align with both user requirements and client aspirations, and facilitate the planning process.
Plot 5000 development at ARC Oxford stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation converges with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and user-centric design. By meticulously addressing every aspect of the client brief and user requirements, the project sets a new standard for lab-enabled office spaces, underscoring the potential for engineering and architecture practices to drive positive change.
