We continue to work with ARC, supporting projects within their growing portfolio of innovation-ready and new space across Oxfordshire. This project involved a lab-enabled refurbishment work to an existing three storey 1990s office building with new extension for a commercial goods lift and risers allowing our client and their tenants to use the building as office and laboratory space.
The existing structure comprised of steel frame, concrete hollow core floor, single ply membrane roof and curtain walling to the elevations. The building is within a large business park and the adjacent units to the building were occupied and in operation during the project.
We started with a soft strip demolition of the existing building including M&E services, which was followed by service ducting for upgraded services and installation of a new internal and external laboratory drainage to the building in 15 locations passing up to the roof for ventilation and all associated below ground drainage.
The works included replacement of the dilapidated roof single ply covering, including additional insulation, and installation of a new mansafe system and PV panels.
Following the removal of gas from the building; a new incoming electric supply and substation was installed, to accommodate the additional plant and equipment, extending the plant room was necessary and required additional internal structural steel work to be installed to increase the plant risers and provide opportunity for expansion of the ventilation systems.
We installed a new lift to the existing passenger lift shaft and built a clad, steel frame and lift shaft to house a new goods lift. This structure also encompassed future provision for serviced ducting to all levels increasing flexibility for lab enabled space.
The toilet core and receptions were fitted out to include all new services, new resin floors, cubicles and IPS, sanitaryware and vanity units. The core was extended, and we added four new showers, new ceilings, and feature detailing throughout.
The reception area is a real feature of this building with high-end hotel style finishing features, a new resin floor, new doors and furnishing including mirrors, pictures, sofas, credenza, entertainment facilities and coffee table.
The project required diversion of significant fibre and power services which were all completed successfully.
Externally, our team stripped back and replaced the external cladding. Redecoration was done to the external curtain walling and brise soleil, as well as a new front entrance canopy with a glass roof and windscreen. A new canopy was created to the rear goods lift entrance.
We provided EV charging points, replaced car park lighting and installed a new bike / bin store with a green roof.
Working within tight timescales, we successfully delivered our scope to our client’s highest standards, allowing ARC to continue to lead the lab enabled office space in Oxford and surrounding areas.
