
Research Development Block
Foxton Burlington Press
R G Carter were appointed to restore and revamp the first phase of the Foxton Burlington Press from a former printing press into a new research and development space whilst retaining the historical integrity of the existing building. The original buildings were constructed in 1909 together with a series of workers’ houses to the north along Station Road. These buildings remained as an operational printing press until the early 2000s when they were converted and subdivided to office units.
The proposals for the regeneration of this site came after strong demand for a new innovation, research and development space in and around Cambridge.
The aim of the project was to breathe fresh life into the existing character, balancing innovation and heritage into the redevelopment plans replacing the unattractive 1970s buildings with high-quality and sustainable modern workspace. The high-volume space, combined with a pitched roof with north light saw-tooth forms has created an exceptional opportunity to provide truly unique lab space with a warehouse aesthetic.
Works comprised the transformation of the original Printing Press. The high-volume space and saw-tooth roof provided an exceptional opportunity, to provide fitted lab and workspace of the highest quality, in a one-of-a-kind building. The new building comprises a brick and glass base with a timber first floor. The entrance atrium, which helps break up some of the building mass, is a connection between the new public square and the rural views beyond. The building is set into a beautifully designed landscape and will include a new community café, cycle centre and enhanced environment for Foxton’s war memorial.
The project has created 16,000 square feet of fully fitted lab and office space across three units. In the initial stages of the project rooms within the existing building were demolished with the walls and roofs stripped to shell to allow for the redevelopment to commence. The existing thatched roof was re-tiled in slate and the windows, including the existing north light windows in the old double height factory-style print rooms, were replaced with more thermal efficient double glazing.