Wates completes £200m research facility for Oxford University

Wates has completed construction of the Life and Mind Building (LaMB), a major £200 million research and education facility for the University of Oxford, marking one of the largest and most complex capital projects in the institution’s history.

Spanning 25,000 square metres, the new building brings together the University’s Biology and Experimental Psychology departments, as well as the Ineos Oxford Institute for antimicrobial research. It will support more than 2,400 academics, researchers, support staff and students, with teaching spaces and lecture halls serving around 1,000 undergraduates.

Designed by architect NBBJ, LaMB incorporates a wide range of specialist spaces, including rooftop glasshouses, sleep laboratories, and experimental classrooms. It also houses the University’s botanical collections, with a strong emphasis on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across life sciences and behavioural research.

The facility has been developed to high sustainability standards and holds a BREEAM Excellent rating. It features low-carbon technologies such as rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps, triple glazing, and adaptive ventilation, supporting the University’s aim to achieve net-zero carbon in operation by 2030.

Wates utilised advanced construction methods throughout the build, including factory-fitted mechanical systems and preassembled cladding, to enhance efficiency and minimise on-site environmental impact. The project was delivered in partnership with SES Engineering Services, whose scope included their largest prefabricated plantroom to date.

Mark Craig, Managing Director of Wates Construction South, described the project as a “gateway to Oxford’s scientific sector” and “a space designed for the world’s brightest minds to thrive.”

“The Life and Mind Building is one of the most meaningful projects we’ve ever delivered,” Craig said. “This facility sets a bold benchmark for sustainable, collaborative construction and shows what is possible when vision, expertise and partnership align.”

The facility has already been recognised with the Project of the Year title at the 2025 OxProp Awards, praised for its scale, ambition and attention to detail.