New facility combines cutting-edge design with eco-friendly solutions, featuring Marshalls’ Modal X permeable paving
The Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a renowned medical research and innovation hub, is expanding its footprint with a new five-storey building at 1000 Discovery Drive. Spanning 103,000 sq ft, this facility will provide a vibrant space for a range of biotech and life science companies.
Alongside workspaces, it includes amenities like a café and a community centre to create an inviting, interconnected environment that fosters both collaboration and community engagement.
Marshalls’ contribution
To support the project’s vision of a functional, welcoming space, Marshalls supplied materials from the innovative Modal X range, complemented by natural stone elements.
The Modal X line is manufactured in the UK on Marshalls’ state-of-the-art dual block plant, utilizing Marshalls’ Maxi Mix technology, which offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional granite. This sustainable choice also reduces construction costs and minimizes the project’s carbon footprint.
For the campus, Modal X was used in various plan sizes and colours (light cream granite, light granite, and oatmeal granite) in an unbound installation. The Modal X Priora, the permeable paving option, was selected to enhance surface water management. This combination of aesthetic appeal and functionality provides a clean, modern look suited to the campus’ high-traffic areas, contributing to both durability and a sense of openness.
Tarvos natural stone setts and kerbs were incorporated throughout to frame and define edges around pathways and planted areas, seamlessly complementing the Modal X pavers.
Impact
The combination of permeable and textured pavers in neutral tones delivers a clean, inviting environment that aligns with the campus’s sustainability goals. Key benefits include:
- Sustainable water management: The use of permeable paving in this high-traffic area helps manage rainwater runoff effectively, reducing the risk of water pooling and supporting sustainable drainage.
- Durability and low maintenance: Marshalls’ materials are designed for resilience, withstanding high foot traffic and adverse weather, ensuring longevity and reducing maintenance needs.
- Enhanced aesthetics and community spaces: The thoughtfully designed spaces provide accessible and attractive areas that encourage social interaction and relaxation, reinforcing the campus’s community-focused ethos.
The installation of Marshalls’ Modal X range at 1000 Discovery Drive reflects Marshalls’ dedication to sustainable, high-quality design. This project not only enhances the campus aesthetically but also contributes to a connected, community-oriented vision. Marshalls is proud to support the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a prestigious institution focused on innovation and progress. View the case study here.
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Interested in sustainable drainage solutions? Marshalls’ CPD program offers an in-depth exploration of permeable paving and its role in modern drainage systems. Key learnings include:
- Understanding the role of permeable pavements in sustainable drainage
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Project details
Architect Growth Industry
Location Discovery Drive, Trumpington, Cambridge, CB2 0AX
Client Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Products specified Modal X Priora® Permeable Paving, Tarvos natural stone setts and kerbs
