The Ellison Institute of Technology comprises of a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists and entrepreneurs. EIT is building a new interdisciplinary research and development campus that bridges The Oxford Science Park and Littlemore.
In 2023 planning permission was granted for the erection of 3 laboratory and office buildings at Plots 23-26 (land adjacent to the A4074) in the Oxford Science Park.
Following this, two further planning applications were granted permission to enable small changes to the scheme’s design including alterations to landscaping and car parking provision. Construction subsequently commenced but is now on hold following a decision by the Ellison Institute of Technology (‘EIT’) to acquire the site from The Oxford Science Park (Properties) Limited. EIT are wanting to modify the approved scheme by submitting a new planning application to make the buildings’ design more appropriate for their intended purpose. The main changes to the design of the buildings can be summarised as follows: ·
By connecting the three buildings via the construction of two link atriums, a single building for research and development will be delivered. This will result in a more efficient layout for the use of the space and therefore better meet the requirements of the scientists intended to occupy this building. It is recognised that in linking the three buildings, the overall massing will be greater. However, those atriums have been carefully designed to minimise any otherwise perceived increase in the massing of the proposed building. For example, the atriums are stepped back from the overall front and rear elevations.
The EIT Site exists to the South of Oxford City Centre (15 min drive), within the Oxford Science Park.
Current and future transportation links strategically position the Oxford Science park in a favourable location with respect to Oxford City Centre and beyond.
The previous (extant) scheme consisted of three separate building blocks.
The proposed scheme looks to connect the three volumes to promote collaboration between scientists. Two new atriums serve as the components used to generate the links between each block. These are celebrated as the entrances into each scientific research institute.
The elevations have been strategically composed to be legible and express the activities taking place within the scientific research institutes.
The length of the elevation is broken down via taller solid chimneys, recesses within the façade and articulated entrance atriums. The materiality strategy employed on the façade supports the gesture to break down the scale of the building massing. The atriums are legible as glass volumes, which allow natural daylight to flood the large open spaces within.
The project emphasis is on the production of a low environmental impact, high quality workspace, which fulfils the same sustainability criteria as the extant scheme through achievement of BREEAM 'Excellent'.
The proposed scheme maximises retention of the existing structure, by minimising the alterations required, and introduces a revised façade approach which maximises daylight and views out. This is complemented by the internal layouts, arranged to support the operational requirements of the EIT scientists in the best possible working environment, whilst providing flexibility for the Clients long term commitment to the site. With heating and cooling supplied from fossil fuel free sources, the overall design approach delivers high performance for minimal impact.
Winchester House, The Oxford Science Park,
Heatley Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK.
