On this project the challenge was to provide appropriate Clinical R&D office building on the Charnwood site to meet the business needs and re-house all Clinical scientists, associated administration staff, Clinical QA and the Clinical Pre-Archive within the new facility. The building to accommodate a total of 230 staff. To provide an associated site cafe along with 4 flexible site meeting rooms. The new accommodation should provide a high standard of layout facilities and finishes in order to attract and retain a high calibre of staff.

In addition The Austin Company had to provide opportunities, communication and functionality for improved productivity and efficiencies between the various Clinical work teams. The facility should be flexible enough to accommodate change with minimal physical modifications. The new building should ultimately form the ‘gateway’ to the Charnwood site when the phase 2 extension is complete. It should also integrate visually and operationally within the site as a whole.

After many massing options were considered the final design was developed to include three levels of office space, 3rd floor plant rooms and a central atrium. Total area of the building is 4,375m²., located within newly acquired land adjacent to the client’s existing establishment at Charnwood.

The optimum 42 person floor plates flank a central atrium. An internal circulation route was designated around the atrium perimeter to avoid through traffic within the floor plates. A central lift and staircase provide good vertical circulation and at the end of each floor plate protected stairs and atrium bridges ensure adequate means of escape in the event of emergencies.

Close team working with the client user representatives created a positive approach to the design which allowed ongoing changes to user requirements to be included throughout the duration of the works.

Utilising the suspended floor system for both power/data distribution and as a plenum for the low level fresh air supply has created a totally flexible floor layout.

The extensive use of chilled beams within the ceiling voids has achieved a very quiet, yet comfortable working environment.