The Russell Building is located on the Rothamsted Research Campus in Harpenden. It was constructed in the early 20th century and officially opened in 1919. The building original housed the soil laboratories, eventually becoming the campus' library and administrative offices.
PolkeyCollins worked with ITC Concepts to detail and develop a concept design put forward by the end users. The brief was to turn the building into a R&D facility, providing lettable office space for agri-tech businesses and start-ups to establish themselves within the campus of this world class enterprise.

The building was in desperate need of refurbishment. Steps were taken to improve failing elements that had reached the end of their life, such as the existing roof and windows. This allowed for significant upgrades for parts of the building's thermal fabric to minimise the running costs of the facility. Internal alterations were also made to create the new collaborative hub and surrounding offices where individuals can come together to spark creativity and further their research.

Photo credits: ITC Concepts