Nexus

We were appointed by the University of Leeds to design and deliver their new University Innovation and Enterprise Centre. Branded as Nexus, it is a high-profile home for research and the promotion of innovative collaboration at both national and international levels. The building also marks a key gateway to the Southern quarter of the University’s campus masterplan.

Nexus is a forum for academic and business brains to stimulate the development of research and innovation initiatives – an ‘incubation’ hub for technology-led collaborative partnerships developing world-class ideas born on the campus.

Dramatic triple-height spaces on the Ground and First floors of the 7,000sq.m building were designed to support this innovation ecosystem, connecting business, academia and partners via a year-round programme of events and activities to deliver beneficial ‘cultivated collaborations’. Exhibition space and a 120-seat lecture theatre are key settings for this and a range of breakout spaces, a flexible seminar suite, café and business lounge offer additional spaces for communication and collaboration. Technical accommodation on the upper floors includes rentable laboratories and write-up spaces with a variety of fit-out levels and offices.

Ratings of EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ensured the building meets the environmental and energy performance targets of a modern university.

Nexus respects the topography of the site to deliver a sleek, contemporary design that matches the aspirations of the facility. A material palette of warm brick contrasts against rugged grey cladding and extensive glazing. Whilst ambitious and bold in its design it doesn’t impose itself on its surroundings; we worked hard to ensure it sat harmoniously within the University’s wider masterplan.

External landscaping provides an attractive setting for the building and space for inhabitants to breakout into during summer months. This pocket of green enhances the University’s biodiversity offering. Nexus helps deliver on the University’s aim to create globally important innovation and research in Leeds.