Illumina Building, Granta Park, Cambridge

MLM worked closely with the design team to develop this 16,286m² headquarters office, laboratory and data centre project in Cambridge for BioMed Realty Trust, Inc., which owns, manages and operates scientific research Centre Granta Park. It will act as the new European headquarters for biomedical company Illumina, a world leader in genomics focused on improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome.

The concrete frame building over 3 floors will deliver scientific research space, including a data centre capable of handling Illumina’s significant data requirement. The new state of the art facility will provide Illumina with a collaborative environment and access to the highly skilled workforce in the dynamic research cluster anchored by Cambridge University.

The design team worked largely within the constraints of an existing Planning Approval and undertook a wide ranging value engineering exercise to allow works to commence on site several months earlier than originally anticipated by the employer.

Key Features

• Three storey reinforced concrete framed structure with roof mounted steel framed plant enclosure.
• Use of prefabricated reinforcement mats and precast core walls to significantly reduce construction time.
• Glued laminated exposed timber roof to Winter Garden feature.
• Sustainable drainage solution adopting swales which were integrated with the landscaping design.
• Close liaison with specialist designers to provide best value whilst assisting with reducing construction lead in.
• Co-ordinated 3D modelled with all major design disciplines to maximise co-ordination and reduce site alterations and delays.