Kadans Science Partner Builds Cambridge Research Facility

Kadans Science Partner is constructing a 139,000-sf facility in Cambridge in the United Kingdom that will catalyze the discovery of new therapies, medical devices, and digital healthcare solutions. Providing fully fitted, best-in-class research environments, Merlin Place will offer CL2 wet labs, dry labs, and dedicated office spaces. A flexible structural grid with adaptable floor heights will support a range of configurations in the building, which will utilize a modular layout to accommodate multiple tenants or a single entity. Vibration-mitigated suites will be available for sensitive instrumentation.

With a double-height foyer on the ground level, this six-story life sciences hub will feature embedded social settings on the upper floors, as well as a dramatic penthouse suite and adjacent terrace for meetings and events. Knowledge exchange with the greater Cambridge Cluster innovation district will be enhanced by a public café with outdoor seating.

Located on a triangular site, the development comprises a rectangular lab wing facing the main route into Cambridge, balanced by a curvilinear wing offering quieter workplace settings. The sustainably designed project is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and will incorporate a green roof, photovoltaic arrays, a gray water recycling system, and south-facing balconies. Guided by the UK's new Net Zero Carbon Building Standard, Merlin Place is expected to achieve a zero-carbon footprint over the entire lifecycle of the facility.

HOK is providing architectural, interior design, and lab planning services, with Hoare Lea as mechanical and electrical engineer, AKT II as structural engineer, and CB3 as cost consultant. SDC Builders is the general contractor and PSK is acting as project manager. Ground was broken in late October of 2024 and completion is slated for mid-2026.