Project Alchemy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Science and Innovation Campus

This proposed science and innovation campus sits within Fowlmere village on the site of industrial units, at the edge of the Conservation Area, with open countryside beyond.

Community facilities will be provided including a café/deli, gym, meeting rooms and workspaces, as well as access to outdoor seating/meeting areas, cycle repair, car hire club, EV charging and a possible future minibus shuttle service to and from the local train station. These have all been developed and agreed through very productive local consultation.

The project is low carbon, and highly sustainable with the retention of some of the existing buildings steel frames. No mains gas is being provided on this fully electric project, with active travel, renewable energy sources, BNG, SUDS, fabric first design, quality and durable hard and soft landscaping.

The cars/parking areas have been screened and located to prioritise pedestrians and car free areas.

Architecturally the buildings designs respect and acknowledge the sites industrial heritage as well as Fowlmere’s war time RAF bases and well known nature reserve, as well as its new science and innovation use. Hi-tech, nature and military stealth inspired prismatic paint will be used to the inward facing elevations. This finish changes from blue to green tones depending on the sun’s location and viewing angle. The repeating fenestration module allows for future proofing, differing internal layouts and functions with doors, windows, louvres or fixed panels allowing to be installed or interchanged in future.  During a number of enjoyable and productive days of youth engagement at Fowlmere Primary School, organised by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service and Gen Two, the children built and decorated bird and insect boxes, as well as designed signage, benching and seating that will be built and installed around the completed buildings. 

Cleaning, maintenance, deliveries, future equipment/plant replacement and future fit outs have all been carefully considered and provided for. Which is so important for any building, but fundamental for science and innovation buildings with their constantly changing future demands and requirements.