Designing and delivering an innovative campus entrance

THE ASPIRATION
A gateway to innovation
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is at the forefront of fusion energy research, aiming to position the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. Their Culham campus required a new main entrance that better reflected their innovative work – one that was welcoming, highly secure and aligned with sustainability goals. The new facility also needed to integrate with a planned County Council bypass while minimising construction costs and incorporating visitor education.

OUR RESPONSE
Seamless multidisciplinary delivery
We provided multidisciplinary expertise, including Architecture, Building Services Engineering, Civil Engineering, Cost Management, Geospatial services and Sustainability. We completed RIBA Stages 1-3+, delivering a comprehensive design for a state-of-the-art gateway building and innovation centre, alongside new access roads, pedestrian facilities, public transport links and car parking.

To ensure security continuity, we assessed existing site conditions and planned a phased construction. Our team rigorously managed costs throughout the design phase, using modern construction methods to accelerate the programme while addressing site constraints. We also led the landscaping strategy and implemented specialist lighting solutions to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Sustainability was at the heart of our approach, with the project targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’.

THE RESULT
A future-ready campus entrance
We delivered a high-quality, low-carbon gateway that reflects UKAEA’s vision for sustainable innovation. The design integrates security, education and functionality while aligning with the County Council’s infrastructure plans. Our cost-efficient approach and modern construction techniques have kept the project on track, ensuring a high-performance facility that meets UKAEA’s operational and sustainability objectives.

THE LASTING IMPACT
Powering the future of clean energy
By delivering a welcoming and future-ready entrance to the Culham campus, we helped UKAEA reinforce its global leadership in fusion energy. Our integrated approach has optimised costs, accelerated delivery and ensured the project meets the highest security and environmental standards, supporting the UK’s ambitions for a cleaner energy future.

Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach.