The Site
Located in the middle of the western side of the Oxford Science Park master plan, the bulb shaped site benefits from central dominant presence and excellent views.
A landscaped open space to the North is forms an impressive front entrance and generous drop off area. A linear pedestrian link is created between the Sadler Building passing along the existing bund area, which has been re-sculpted and includes a low illuminated “feature seating wall “from natural stone, to offer staff and visitors a south facing area of tilted manicured lawn for sitting and relaxing.
Open areas account for over 80% of the total site area. The landscaping embraces the design language of the wider Oxford Science Park campus and enhances the biodiversity of the site. Within the new car park, an avenue of new semi mature Oak trees offer framed views of the new building upon arrival. Low level shrub and ground cover planting including evergreen shrubs and native planting line and screen the new car park edges.
The Building
The four-storey building consists of two 15m deep office ‘wings’ rotated by 20o degrees from each other to create a spacious central atrium bringing ample daylight to the reception area. The northern side of office wings are trimmed in different angles to align with the facades of the neighbouring buildings. The fourth floor is set back from all sides to respect surrounding building volumes while creating a large triangular roof top terrace for the occupants. A cantilevered canopy connects the building’s edges; with metal louvres inserted between the robust steel structure, covering the drop-off area and creating a focal point for the grand entrance.
To the South, architectural louvres screen the ‘on floor’ mechanical plant, creating flexibility for tenant’s cat B plant configuration while at the same time minimising roof level plant enclosure. Louvres to the south reduce the building’s solar heat gain through the façade.
The building has been designed with an understanding that the way we use office space is radically changing. Internally, each building wing is clear span 15m wide providing a high-quality office accommodation suitable for both open plan and cellular workspaces. The flexible spaces to the north and south of the main core provide a range of amenity spaces such as a library, break-out, informal meeting, hot desking or an additional office space.
The building is serviced by a compact central core maintaining the maximum useable floor area. It contains two lifts, fire escape stair and washroom area with ‘superloos’ - space saving all-in-one unisex units.
A triple storey high atrium is wrapped with timber strip lining to counteract and soften the sharp and elegant exterior and give warmth, visual connectivity and quality internal acoustics.
