Sciopolis

From Carphone Warehouse to lab and office space for science and tech ventures.

• London

• Technology

• 44 Weeks

“It’s a fabulous project — the design works really well, it feels spacious, it feels comfortable. It feels exciting. Everyone who walks in thinks it’s amazing, and it is! It’s a very striking and iconic building inside and out.”

Charlie Mitchell, Founder & CEO

Design Brief

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Plan

Visual

Taking an empty and semi-derelict CarPhone Warehouse and turning it into a thriving hub for science companies to grow and flourish was an ambitious vision and quite a tall order.

Working alongside the appointed operator, Sciopolis, designs for the building were drawn up. Mechanical and structural design teams within McFeggan Brown focused on the different challenges of the project – how was the building to be separated from the adjoining building, which was to be demolished? What changes would have to be made to the foundations? How would the new outside wall be created?

Then there was the design of the new entrance and the building inside. How would the building flow? And what would make for a welcoming entrance? How would the laboratories and offices be laid out?

It was decided that an entirely new extension should be added to the front of the building to house reception, cafe and event space.

Inside, a section of the existing mezzanine was to be cut away to create a full height atrium space with a new lift and staircase giving access to the first floor. Around this atrium were to be the new laboratory and office spaces, allowing each tenant access to the circulation space and promoting free flow of movement around the building.

Project Delivery

Strip-out commenced with mezzanine alterations, lift installation, partitions, ventilation, air conditioning and installation of gas lines to each laboratory. This was followed by flooring works, and as the new front extension approached completion, the fit-out of the new stainless steel kitchen and catering furniture, the flooring throughout the building, and the installation of the laboratory furniture.

Then, 44 weeks from commencement, the building was handed over and the delighted client was ready to welcome their first tenants.