Reckitt Benckiser Global Centre for Scientific Excellence Hull, Humberside Architecture News

RB Centre for Scientific Excellence, Hull

Reckitt Benckiser Global Centre for Scientific Excellence in England design by Ryder Architecture, UK

8 Jan 2020

Reckitt Benckiser Global Centre for Scientific Excellence in Hull

Design: Ryder Architecture

Photos by Alex Wroe

£100m Reckitt Benckiser Global Centre for Scientific Excellence Completes

Designed by Ryder Architecture the purpose facility will take over as Reckitt Benckiser’s (RB) new £100m central hub for technical activities and creates a single location of expertise in formulation, analytical science and product innovation in Hull.

Comprising of 10,000sqm new build laboratory and pilot plant developmental space, an energy centre, as well as the refurbishment of existing facilities to accommodate a new reception and suite of meeting spaces, the centre is set to improve efficiency and accelerate product development of the R&D giant.

RB employs around 800 people in science-based roles in Hull and researchers will use the new centre to develop highly innovative consumer health products to be sold around the world.

Ryder worked with RB throughout the project to ensure care for the environment was at the core of the design process for the building.

Project architect, Toby Ingle, associate at Ryder said, “Ryder has designed an environment that encourages collaboration and connectivity within a workplace culture of quick response and flexibility. The healthcare sector is a strategic priority for RB which works hand in hand with our team’s expertise in both the healthcare and science sectors, and enabling us to support the future growth ambition of the business.”

Connectivity was at the heart of the project, both physically between the new and old facilities, and how the building’s spaces are used to foster collaboration between people and departments. The new laboratory is linked with the existing office via an “Innovation Pathway”, a series of bridges and pockets of breakout spaces.

Tony Earl, R&D Facilities Manager at RB, said, “The environment was absolutely at the core of how we designed this building.

“From the outset, renewable energy was a key part of our plans. On the roof we now have solar cells that are actually powering parts of the building. We are harvesting rainwater and reusing it in non-process critical areas. This building is far more energy efficient than our previous facility. We’re on target to achieve LEED Gold accreditation, which we’re really excited about.”

Designed around flexible working space, including column free design, the layout ensures minimal impact on potential future changes at the facility and stability for anticipated increase in headcount.

Photographs: Alex Wroe

Ryder Architecture

Reckitt Benckiser Global Centre for Scientific Excellence information received from Ryder Architecture

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