AIS – Hoxton Farms Laboratories and Workspace, London

Text provided by AIS

Hoxton Farms’ new space in Shoreditch is a somewhat surprising addition to the 24-storey, mixed-use building that houses it. Although unusual, it is a textbook case study of widespread urban reinvention. Faced with a chronic shortage of life sciences and bio-tech facilities across the UK, Hoxton Farms, in partnership with AIS, repurposed a vacant, inner-city commercial space to support their growth and further valuable scientific research and development. Success hinged upon a meticulously detailed mechanical services strategy, mainly focused on protecting the interior fit-out from external contaminants as a working lab.

Over 14,000 sq. ft, AIS supported Hoxton Farms in the creation of laboratories and workspace. Occupying roughly 35% of the floor plate, Hoxton Farms’ workspace is predominantly industrial in flavour that is softened by the creation of relaxed and distinctly homely lounge areas. The latter injects a dose of fun to the space, balancing the seriousness of the working laboratories. External vistas were also optimised, reinforcing the biotech firm’s London launch pad for furthering Hoxton Farms’ cause of using sustainable cultured fats for future innovation with an open and transparent attitude.