PERI UK solutions help shape landmark Oxford Science Park development

When architects Foster + Partners designed the prestigious new Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford, they envisioned a research facility that was both functional and collaborative. PERI UK helped bring this vision to life, supporting the delivery of architectural concrete that is smooth, precise, and as striking as the project itself, achieving a high-quality exposed concrete finish for a landmark research campus.

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is a major new research and science campus at Oxford Science Park, set to open its first 300,000 sq. ft of world-class laboratories and offices in 2027. PERI UK has supported the delivery of architectural concrete works at this prestigious new research development, working alongside longstanding partner Laing O'Rourke to help realise Foster + Partners' ambitious design vision.

PERI UK supplied a range of formwork and engineering solutions for the project, including systems for the curved auditorium walls, structural cores, columns, retaining walls, and exposed liner walls within the basement's 'Eastern Trench', 200 m of corridors which allow streams of natural light to shine directly onto them.

To meet the specification, PERI UK adapted its standard MAXIMO Panel Formwork system by lining the panels with 18 mm plywood, providing a high-quality alternative to bespoke fabricated VARIO formwork. Using in-house CNC machining capabilities, PERI UK precision-cut a repeating 20 x 40 mm rectangular pattern into the lining material to achieve the required architectural finish.

Standing tall under pressure

The exposed liner walls, some reaching heights of up to seven metres, were constructed using single-sided formwork without through ties to avoid disrupting the architectural finish. This created significant concrete pressure loads of up to 60 kN/m2 during pours.

To manage these forces safely, PERI UK utilised its SB Brace Frame system in combination with DW26 anchors positioned at reduced centres of 0.9 metres, rather than the standard 1.2 metres. This enhanced arrangement allowed the loads to be distributed effectively while enabling some walls to be poured in a single lift over carefully controlled three-hour concrete pours.

Beyond equipment supply, PERI UK worked closely with the Laing O'Rourke team throughout the EIT project, providing ongoing engineering support and technical consultation. Prior to the main construction works, a full-scale on-site trial pour was also completed to establish the agreed quality benchmark and optimise the plywood finish.

"The PERI project team was easily accessible and supportive during the design process and adaptable to any changes made by the architects," says Kerry Killeen, a Laing O'Rourke senior structures engineer. "They were efficient throughout, from the design phase, through ordering, to on-site execution."

Thinking outside the box - and building a circle

PERI UK also played a key role in forming the circular walls and ring beam structure for the auditorium roof. The 56-metre circumference ring beam presented additional complexity due to the integration of steel beams and cast-in metal plates required within the structure.

PERI UK's engineering team adapted the formwork and tie arrangement to accommodate the planned steelwork locations while maintaining structural integrity and construction efficiency. The ring beam was ultimately poured in four sections before installation of the roof steelwork.

"The Ellison Institute of Technology project demonstrates how innovative engineering and close collaboration can deliver both structural performance and architectural quality," says Darren Billenness, senior sales engineer at PERI UK. "Achieving such a high standard of exposed concrete finish across complex geometries and challenging pour conditions required careful planning, technical expertise, and strong coordination across all teams involved."

The next phase is taking shape

Future phases of the Ellison Institute of Technology are expected to expand the campus to approximately 2 million sq. ft - the equivalent of 26 football pitches - incorporating additional facilities focused on AI, robotics, and biology research.

The next phase is anticipated to involve even more complex construction requirements, including three-tier basements and significantly larger liner walls.

However, the successful delivery of the first phase of the Ellison Institute of Technology development really shows what can be achieved through strong teamwork, specialist engineering know-how, and flexible formwork solutions, especially when delivering complex architectural concrete finishes to a high standard.

PERI UK
Brentwood Office and Depot, Warley Street, Brentwood, ESSEX CM13 3JZ United Kingdom
Tracy Armstrong
Head of Marketing
tracy.armstrong@peri.ltd.uk
+44 (0)1788 861628

Since 1969, PERI has grown to become one of the world's largest providers of formwork and scaffolding.

With a diverse workforce of over 10,000 employees, PERI leverages its expertise, passion, and creativity to deliver innovative solutions. Combining high-quality German engineering with a strong local presence, PERI is committed to helping its customers build faster, safer, and more efficiently through its wide range of evolving solutions and services for the construction industry.

In the UK, PERI products and services have been employed by the civil engineering and building sectors on many major award-winning projects. Nationwide depots and design offices support PERI's commitment to customer service through the provision of formwork design, custom fabrication, training and distribution. The company has continued to invest in long-term solutions for its customers. One of these investments is the training facility and impressive product exhibition hall at its Brentwood office. This multi-use space has already been used to deliver approved training courses, product demonstrations and host customer visits.

This release was published on openPR.