Architectural Tech Boxes, Shaping the Future for R&D and Science Innovation

Architectural Tech Boxes: The Future of R&D and Science Innovation

The rise of Architectural Tech Boxes marks a turning point for UK Research and Development spaces. These efficient, flexible buildings create opportunities for science, technology, and sustainable workplace innovation.

Adaptable. Sustainable. Affordable

Tech Boxes offer modular layouts and built-in, upgrade-ready infrastructure, enabling businesses in technology, research, and science to flexibly scale operations in response to evolving requirements.

Since buildings represent a major investment for clients, the economy, and future generations, sustainability should be central to every Tech Box design. We work closely with clients to meet environmental targets, aiming for accreditations such as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings.

All Tech Boxes can feature enhanced building fabric performance, high levels of insulation, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels or heat pumps. Compared to traditional buildings, modular construction technologies further reduce waste and minimise environmental impact, establishing a clear sustainability advantage.

Offering lower rental levels than traditional prime research space, Tech Boxes deliver commercial value alongside technical and environmental excellence, making them an essential part of the future R&D landscape.

Evolve East Silverstone

Distinctive characteristics of a Mid-Tech building

Also known as ‘Mid-Tech’ buildings, Tech Boxes bridge the gap between traditional industrial warehouses and high-spec laboratories or office environments. They offer a hybrid solution: a balance between practical workspace and specialist technical facilities.

Flexible office accommodation can be readily integrated with areas suitable for light industrial use and advanced R&D activities. Typical features include generous floor-to-ceiling heights, customisable fitouts, and robust power and data infrastructure.

Developers typically build Tech Boxes close to transport links, amenities, and research connections, enabling rapid knowledge sharing. University towns and innovation districts are ideal, offering proximity to talent and scientific development.

Nebula 190-192 Milton Park

Building the future for R&D and Science

For over 30 years, SRA has designed workplaces for innovation across the Science & Technology, Higher Education, Industrial, and Workplace sectors. By combining cross-sector expertise, we continue to co-create environments that inspire progress.

We’ve seen knowledge-intensive sectors like biosciences grow quickly, so modern R&D spaces must support everything from prototyping to collaboration. The UK Government's Science and Technology Framework empowers regional innovation clusters to drive economic growth in science and technology. We view Tech Boxes within science parks as a key part of this vision, enabling scalable, sustainable development for the future.

Logica 1 and Logica 2 Grove Business Park

A workplace people want to work in

Ultimately, people drive innovation. Tech Boxes prioritise wellbeing, collaboration, and comfort. Abundant natural light, good air quality, adaptable interiors and on-site amenities all create productive and welcoming environments.

These spaces attract employees for their sense of community and professional growth opportunities. Thoughtful landscaping unifies a development, encouraging outdoor breaks and spontaneous cross-disciplinary interactions that spark new ideas.

Tech Boxes: Essential to the landscape of future R&D

Tech Boxes address evolving workplace needs in science and technology through adaptability, sustainability, and people-focused design. As R&D sectors expand, we believe Tech Boxes will support business, nurture talent, and help drive sustainable economic growth.

Horizon Business Park

Contact us if you want to find out more about our approach to Tech Box design.