Bright, empty laboratory interior with white floors and cabinets, a central worktable and exposed ceiling services including ducts, pipes and lighting, facing a window at the far end. A bright, empty laboratory space with white walls and flooring, mobile white workbenches around the room, a wall-mounted sink with hand spray in the foreground and exposed ducts, pipes and lighting visible in the ceiling. Close-up of industrial pipework with metal valves, pressure gauges and white control knobs mounted in a row against a light-coloured wall, showing a technical services installation in sharp focus. Exposed laboratory ceiling showing ventilation ductwork, cable trays, pipes, lighting fixtures and air diffusers mounted beneath a concrete soffit as part of the building services installation. Exterior mechanical equipment installation beside a brick building, showing a large grey air handling unit with connected metal ducting and insulated pipework, mounted within a steel frame near a window. View into a modern laboratory through a glass partition, showing white floors, built-in storage cabinets, mobile worktables and extensive exposed ceiling services, with a corridor running alongside the glazed wall.
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Home Case studies Begbroke Science Park, University of Oxford

Powering next generation battery research

The University of Oxford set out to create a specialist laboratory and research space at their Begbroke Science Park that would support advanced lithium-ion battery research.

Project partners

  • Ridge & Partners
  • Associated Architects
  • AECOM
  • CPW

Key features

  • Specialist lithium-ion battery research facilities
  • Office and laboratory space
  • Bespoke battery fume cupboards
  • Lab gases and safety detection systems
  • Robust IT and AV infrastructure
  • Delivered on a live science campus

The University of Oxford needed a fit out partner they could trust to deliver complex laboratory environments alongside high quality office space within tight timescales and with minimal disruption to the wider science park.

The project involved the transformation of 8,000 sq ft of space into a combination of Cat B office space and specialist laboratories tailored for lithium-ion battery research. The University needed office and laboratory functions to sit side by side, supporting collaboration while allowing research activity to operate safely and efficiently.

Managing live research environments

Works were delivered on an occupied science campus, careful planning of access, deliveries and site logistics were vital to avoid disturbing neighbouring buildings. We ordered specialist laboratory items with long lead times as early as possible, making sure they were installed without delay.

Delivering specialist laboratory environments

The laboratories were fitted with bespoke battery fume cupboards and a full range of specialist services including deionised water, local extract ventilation, emergency showers and lab gases such as argon, nitrogen, oxygen and compressed air. Flame and gas detection systems were installed to support safe operations and research involving contaminated fumes.

We carried out partition modifications, installed mobile laboratory furniture and delivered extensive upgrades to existing MEP systems. A robust IT and AV infrastructure was also put in place to support both office and research activity.

The project was delivered in phases, allowing the office space to be occupied early while specialist laboratory works continued, helping with business continuity and reducing downtime.

Ready to power future breakthroughs

The completed space now provides a practical and considered environment that supports innovation and discovery. The laboratories are fully functional and research ready, ensuring day to day work can begin immediately in a setting designed for future growth.

  • Begbroke Science Park, Oxford
  • 8,000 sq ft
  • 24 weeks

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