Sphere Fluidics
Sphere Fluidics Phase Two
The client
Sphere Fluidics is a ground-breaking organisation working in the development and commercialisation of single-cell analysis technology for biopharmaceutical discovery.
Having worked with the client in what is referred to as ‘Phase One’ at Granta Centre which is a statement building on Granta Park, the company’s growth and expansion continues with Phase Two.
The brief
Sphere Fluidics tasked us with expanding their footprint in Granta Centre following Phase One. This included a significant number of specialised laboratories, welcoming spaces to host clients and flexible spaces to accommodate for future growth. This multiple-stage project aims to bring together all the client’s teams currently located at three different sites and accommodate for their expansion.
The challenges
- Conducting major building works in an occupied, multi-tenant building was the primary challenge for this project.
a. Having previously worked in the building, we were familiar with the environment and, consequently, able to mitigate potential risks. - The complex requirements for air handling meant that we had to install a new air handling unit, as well as a new ventilation riser from the ground floor up to the roof plant deck.
b. To facilitate the new riser installation, we engaged with a structural engineer to design and remove large sections of concrete slab. To ensure the utmost safety we carried out temporary works design with stringent health and safety considerations.
The Solution
Phase Two includes:
- Bold and significant new kitchen / breakout space
- Several open-plan offices
- Formal and informal meeting areas
- Impressive reception
- Boardroom
- Chemistry labs
- Mass Spectrometry Lab
- Microfabrication lab
- Production lab
- Quality Control lab
- Workshops
- Logistics area
The outcome
This project included extensive M&E work with additional work commissioned by the landlord to upgrade the space and meet the client needs, which had to be added to our existing programme.
Despite the challenging brief, the project was completed within budget and on time. The result is a range of magnificent, state-of-the-art, non-clinical, lab spaces, with extensive breakout spaces, which incorporate the client’s new branding and a sense of personality.
- Size: Lower Ground Floor: 4,061 sq ft; Upper Ground Floor: 9,771 sq ft
- Headcount: 70+
- Location: Granta Park, Cambridge
We used COEL to convert circa. 20,000 sq ft of conferencing space into purpose built laboratory and office facilities. Our laboratories comprise of Chemistry, Biology, Production, QC and Engineering so we have quite specific needs and also wanted to create an aspirational workplace for our staff. Our challenging brief required a fit out company who could really understand our needs and work with us to achieve a complex design and fit out. COEL were selected following a competitive tender process as a result of their understanding of the brief and the production of a costing pack that was clear and within budget. After selection, there was still significant work to be done to finalise the design, understand the specific technical requirements for the labs, as well as incorporate the company’s new branding into the look and feel of the offices and furniture. The project was delivered on time, including the relocation of staff and equipment from our previous site on a different campus. The Sphere Fluidics team are delighted with the final delivery of the space which exceeded the expectations and aspirations of our employees. Philip Butterfield, Director of Health, Safety and Facilities at Sphere Fluidics.