Babraham Research Campus

The Babraham Research Campus in Cambridge is a leading center for bioscience innovation in the UK. The prestigious campus unites scientific, technological and commercial excellence with an underlying philosophy to cultivate an environment that stimulates effective knowledge exchange and commercialization. Its ultimate aim is to translate science into biomedical products that will deliver social and economic impact and address global healthcare challenges.

Working closely with the campus and community stakeholders since 2003, NORR developed the master plan and delivered a series of complex R&D buildings on time and on budget. The buildings had to meet highly technical criteria for multiple end users, yet have optimum flexibility and adaptability for ever-evolving needs. A major consideration for commercial viability was to reduce running costs while meeting the specific environmental requirements of the various labs. Also, since the campus is partly a conservation area with historical buildings, there is a restriction on new-build heights. This led to a design strategy of putting plant rooms beneath the roof forms to create three stories within what is really two-story buildings. By adhering to the original master plan, visual continuity across the campus was maintained, while achieving a distinct identity for each building.