Explore OA's work in science, technology and innovation, creating laboratories, incubators and specialist facilities that support research, discovery and growth.
OA ARCHITECTURE
OXFORD BRISTOL CAMBRIDGE
INNOVATION
We are a practice rooted in place, driven by design, and united by a belief that architecture should enhance everyday life - intelligently, responsibly, and beautifully.
OA ARCHITECTURE
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Architecture that enables discovery, innovation and progress Every facility is shaped by its own requirements, objectives and demands. understanding these factors forms the foundation of our process. From specialist laboratories and research facilities to science- led workplaces and innovation hubs, our approach begins with understanding the operational and technical requirements of each project. By working closely with clients, consultants and end users, we design spaces that balance performance, flexibility and sustainability, creating environments that can adapt to changing technologies and support innovation for years to come.
OMX Science Incubator Brise Soleil detail on the facade of the OMX Science Incubator in Bristol
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60 years of shaping spaces that drive innovation
1962 2000+ 3
Year OA was founded
Projects delivered across sectors
Studios in Oxford, Bristol and Cambridge
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OA ARCHITECTURE
INNOVATING
How we work OA is a well-resourced Practice with a high Partner/Associate to staff ratio delivering excellent customer care, professional competence, commitment and delivery. We have a stable and loyal workforce of some 35 staff members in office in Oxford, Bristol and Cambridge, with the professionalism and experience to deliver the required service for any project. Additionally, we also provide Party Wall, Principal Designer, Graphic Designer and Clerk of Works services in-house. We operate a Partner/Project Architect-led approach to design and project running. The Partner and Project Architect will stay with the project from appointment through to completion and post project evaluation. As the project programme requires, they will be supplemented by our technical department and graphics support. We review programmes on a weekly basis to ensure that projects are properly resourced and managed. Technical delivery is assisted by our ISO 9001 Quality Management, and ISO 14001 Environmental Management accredited systems. We operate a wide range of computational design software. Our primary software for production of 3D models is Revit allowing us to be proficient in BIM delivery in compliance with ISO 19650 and the UK BIM framework. Sustainability is at the heart of our design process. All projects are cross referenced with our sustainability check list and we have an extensive portfolio of completed BREEAM projects.
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Pictured: OMX Deep Tech Incubator, ScienceCreates
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ScienceCreates, Old Market Incubator 30,000sqft science incubator including R&D Laboratories, offices and events & breakout spaces
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Respecting tradition, designing for tomorrow
100% Focus on long-term building performance
0 2040
Standard building types or solutions
Net-zero carbon commitment
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OA ARCHITECTURE
INNOVATING
Innovating Our science and technology sector spans a wide range of building types, from industrial -style facilities like high-tech printing presses and distribution centres to specialised clean rooms, high-capacity data centres, and laboratories. These buildings fulfil a critical technical role within organisations and must be designed to meet specific client requirements. As an award-winning practice, OA have delivered successful projects across the UK, collaborating with experts in design standards, including BREEAM, to ensure our clients receive the most innovative solutions and expert advice. The success of science and technology buildings relies on a deep understanding of their complex functions and the flow of data, products, and information. These buildings often have exacting standards that must be defined early in the briefing process, ensuring that all team members, including service engineers, are aligned. OA takes a collaborative approach, engaging all disciplines and stakeholders to ensure project success. This approach adds value, reduces waste, and ensures that critical elements are addressed, particularly when liaising between clients, design teams, and equipment suppliers. Given the ever-evolving nature of science and technology, it’s essential that buildings are designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring their continued utility long after completion. We focus on future-proofing structural elements, such as ensuring floor slabs can accommodate future loads, and creating adaptable spaces within a fixed structural grid.
The use of BIM technologies further enables future modifications to services and equipment, enhancing long-term adaptability. OA has an extensive and impressive portfolio in the science and technology sector, having worked across both private and public sectors. We have built strong expertise in delivering projects that align with our clients’ evolving needs, including increasing demand for sustainable design solutions. We are well-versed in a range of procurement methods, ensuring that the selection of the right approach maximises value, maintains control, and reduces risk. Our clients include notable organisations such as Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, the European Space Agency, ScienceCreates, and The University of Oxford. Through our strong track record and professional approach, we continue to deliver projects that meet both immediate needs and future demands.
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Dining Hall, St Catherine’s College, Oxford
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ScienceCreates, OMX Incubator 30,000sqft science incubator including R&D Laboratories, offices and events & breakout spaces
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2017
2022
2026
INNOVATING
ScienceCreates,Old Market Incubator 30,000sqft science incubator including R&D Laboratories, offices and events & breakout spaces Most recently, the completion of OMX in 2026 represents the latest chapter in this ongoing collaboration. Through the transformation of an existing industrial building, the project provides a new generation of laboratory, office and event spaces designed to support scientific innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing. Across all three facilities, a consistent emphasis on flexibility, sustainability and user experience has enabled Science Creates to provide high-quality environments that support businesses from early-stage research through to commercial growth. Our relationship began in 2017 with the creation of Science Creates’ first dedicated laboratory facility at St Philips. Developed within a former distribution warehouse, the project established a flexible model, providing specialist laboratories and support facilities designed to evolve alongside the needs of growing businesses. As Bristol’s life sciences sector expanded, this partnership continued with the delivery of a second 30,000 sq ft incubator at Old Market in 2022, creating a collaborative environment where laboratories, offices and shared spaces are brought together around a central atrium. Supporting Bristol’s growing innovation ecosystem For almost a decade, OA has worked alongside Science Creates to deliver environments that support emerging scientific enterprises, helping transform former industrial buildings into highly adaptable research and innovation hubs. Our long-standing relationship with Science Creates reflects a shared belief in the importance of adaptable, future-focused buildings. Together, we have helped create a network of facilities that continues to strengthen Bristol’s position as one of the UK’s leading centres for science, technology and innovation.
Science Creates St Philips Incubator
Science Creates Old Market Incubator
Science Creates OMX Incubator
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INNOVATING
INNOVATING
ESA Headquarters
OA provided detailed design and construction inspection services to the Design and Build Contractor, Bouygues UK, for the striking new UK headquarters of the European Space Agency. Located in the heart of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, the 4,400 sqm ECSAT Building (European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications) accommodates office spaces, meeting, common and conference rooms and a cafeteria. The building also houses specialist areas for exhibitions, video conferencing and a gymnasium. The structure has been designed to be highly energy efficient. Sustainable features include a natural ventilation and cooling strategy, low ‘E’ triple glazing, active solar shading, ground source heat pumps, green roof, water efficient landscaping, SUDS (Sustainable urban drainage systems), active thermal massing and energy efficient lighting & control systems.
OA ARCHITECTURE
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30 Years of Engagement: Rutherford Appleton Laboratories
OA ARCHITECTURE
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INNOVATING
R80
R92
We designed a 2-storey extension to the Research Complex at Harwell, a national science resource supporting over 180 permanent and 500 visiting researchers annually. The 280sqm addition provides flexible open-plan laboratory space on the upper floor, with a ground floor ‘shell & core’ area for future conversion. Metal cladding, extensive glazing, and brise soleil for shading, maximise the sunlight and enhance the visual connectivity to the adjacent laboratories.
We designed and delivered a phased two-storey extension to Building R80 for the IMAT neutron imaging facility at ISIS. The 415 sqm steel-framed building houses experimental equipment, plant rooms, and a new entrance lobby, fully integrated with the existing operational building. The project included M&E services, overhead crane coverage, and careful coordination to minimise disruption. Phase 2 added a mezzanine floor and office spaces following equipment installation.
R1
R89
We designed a 3,600sqm facility on the RAL science campus for data curation services and 150 staff. The ground floor houses a secure computer hall for data storage within a robust concrete structure with controlled access. Above, two floors of offices surround a central atrium that enables natural ventilation, creating a low-energy working environment. The building features a barrel- vaulted roof and terracotta cladding, reflecting its prominent location at the campus entrance.
We led the phased refurbishment of Building R1, ensuring that the building remained fully occupied throughout, including active laser laboratories, requiring careful coordination and planning. Works included 5,700 sqm of internal refurbishment and complete re- cladding to improve both environmental performance and visual appearance. Designed in close collaboration with user groups, we upgraded the building to reflect the standing of a world-leading research institution.
R105 / R106
R4
We refurbished and extended the 1960s R4 crane hall, creating modern office and workshop spaces by adding floors and raising the roof, while retaining critical plant areas for the R5 Synchrotron. The project successfully maintained live plant equipment throughout construction. To maximise natural light in challenging conditions, a central atrium was introduced, providing a bright and welcoming focal point. Fire-rated windows connect office and plant areas, fostering collaboration between office staff.
OA delivered a dual-purpose research support facility, carefully integrated into the landscape to reduce visual impact. It features two 70 x 35m clear-span halls for testing and handling, full crane coverage, and a three-storey office. Designed to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ with natural light maximised through roof and wall glazing.
This project supports cutting-edge scientific research in a sensitive rural setting.
R75
R3
A high-tech reception, office and control building that sets the tone for a leading science and research campus. Its minimalist design responds to the simplicity of existing structures, while metal cladding and glazing convey a contemporary character. From the double-height entrance and reception, the building steps down to single storey above the administration areas, with the security suite prominently located beneath the entrance canopy.
A contemporary new entrance, reception, multifaith room, and office spaces for the ISIS research facility at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Designed to improve both public presence and internal function, the scheme introduces natural light, flexible office layouts, and modern finishes throughout. The copper-toned zinc cladding complements the existing building while signalling a fresh identity for one of the UK’s leading science hubs.
OA ARCHITECTURE
INNOVATING
Broadmoor Hospital Energy Centre
As part of the overall redevelopment of Broadmoor Hospital, OA designed a new Energy Centre to replace the one serving the existing hospital.
Whilst the new Energy Centre is designed primarily for the new hospital, it had to be capable of servicing the old hospital until the new hospital was built and then both hospitals during the transition period from one to the other. Due to the phasing, nature and length of the overall construction period for the new hospital, the Energy Centre needed to have an inherent flexibility should the fuel supply change over that period. The building has been designed to be a ‘green’ solution to blend into its landscape setting particularly as it is highly visible from the new hospital entrance building south of the site. The building has a ‘green’ roof sloping back into the banked forest to the east and is clad in natural timber. Glazed sections allow views into the plant areas and natural light into the building.
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R3 ISIS Media Centre New entrance, reception area and offices spaces for ISIS, a world-leading centre for research
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Technical Capability
Current Capability & Training
All projects in OA are currently operating within the BIM environment and delivering projects to a level that best suits the clients requirements for construction and post hand over. We are competent and experienced in delivering projects to ISO 19650 (BIM Level 2) standards with the ability to offer fully coordinated design and data enriched information via common data exchange platforms. We are actively working towards BSI ISO 19650 1-2 accreditation on the strength of our BIM experience on previous projects and the processes we have adopted. We now aim to deliver all projects using Revit, allowing us to comply with the processes and standards set out in ISO 19650, even if this is not required by the client or design team as we feel this offers the best design service for our clients. From the inception of the project within Revit, we have the ability to draw on large amounts of embedded information within the 3D model to support both the client and contractor. We also utilise additional software that integrates directly with Revit, such as ADB, which is designed to support HBN and HTM compliance through the delivery of 3D room layouts, room data sheets and component scheduling. Our models utilise rich embedded data developed throughout the course of the project, incorporating modelled information from the wider design team including M&E engineers, structural engineers, landscape architects and civil engineers. By linking these disciplines into our own architectural model, we are able to undertake active model and construction coordination as the design develops and matures.. We have the ability to deliver scheduled COBie information linking specific manufacturer and maintenance attributes to objects and assemblies within the 3D model to the Level of Detail identified in the Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs).
We have been operating an in-house BIM training programme since August 2013. Our third party BIM consultants ‘AIS’ have enhanced our embedded BIM and Revit knowledge with additional in-depth training sessions. We are actively developing and growing our in house digital design team to utilise computational design as part our design and delivery process.
CAD Software
OA operate Autodesk Revit and Bentley AECOsim Building Designer, both supported by Bentley PowerDraft and Autodesk Autocad for 2D drafting. We use Solibri Model Checker software as a tool to review and run clash detection on federated BIM models. We also run ADB, Autodesk ‘Navisworks’ and Autodesk ‘Design Review’ as required by the client. We have experience using common data environments such as 4projects or A-site, as well as the ability to host and manage projects via SharePoint. Visualisations are exported to Lumion or Enscape for photorealistic renders, with additional Photoshop manipulation setting the models into context.
ISO 19650, EIR and BEP
We work to the latest standards set out in the UK BIM Framework ISO 19650 series of standards and our Digital Production manual, MPDT, TDIP, BEP and EIR documentation has been developed in accordance with these standards.
Old Market Incubator, ScienceCreates One of 15 laboratories at the Old Market Incubator, each able to accomodate CL2 activities
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OA OXFORD Bagley Croft Hinksey Hill Oxford OX1 5BS Tel: 01865 329 100 OA BRISTOL The Workshop 254 Southmead Road Bristol BS10 5EN Tel: 0117 958 1500 OA CAMBRIDGE Milton Hall Ely Road Cambridge CB24 6WZ Tel: 01223 828 340
www.oa-architecture.co.uk
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