Life and Mind Building – Oxford University

The Life and Mind Building (LAMB) at the University of Oxford is the largest construction project in the University’s history. This £200 million teaching and research facility encompasses approximately 25,000 m² of space, incorporating specialist laboratories alongside extensive teaching and support accommodation. It brings together the Department of Biology and the Department of Experimental Psychology within a single, purpose-built environment.

Designed to support research in biodiversity, brain science, mental health and artificial intelligence, the building consolidates laboratory-based research and teaching activities previously distributed across multiple locations. It accommodates more than 1,400 researchers, academics, postgraduate students and support staff and serves as the main teaching base for approximately 1,000 undergraduate students.

Designed by NBBJ as a world-class teaching and research facility, the Life and Mind Building prioritises interdisciplinary collaboration through the co-location of research, teaching and shared support spaces.

SB Laboratories, in its role as specialist laboratory furniture manufacturers, was appointed to manufacture and install laboratory furniture throughout the Life and Mind Building. Working closely with the main contractor Wates Group and the wider project team, SB Laboratories delivered robust, coordinated and consistent laboratory environments across extensive areas of wet and dry research and specialist teaching laboratories.

The scale, technical complexity and intensity of daily use placed significant demands on laboratory planning, furniture durability, and coordination with building services.

SB Laboratories supplied its Exemplaire C-frame bench system across multiple laboratory floors. Designed for robustness and long-term durability, the system provides a consistent benching module that supports standardised layouts, clear zoning of work surfaces, and efficient integration of laboratory services.

Flexibility within the fixed benching layouts is achieved through the use of mobile cupboards, enabling laboratories to adapt to evolving research requirements without disruption. Heavy-duty mobile benches and safety stations were also incorporated within key areas to support specialist workflows and safe working practices.

The purpose-built laboratories for teaching and research reflect the University of Oxford’s vision for interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term scientific impact through LAMB, later recognised by CNN as one of just 11 architectural projects worldwide “set to change the world” in 2025.

***All photos are courtesy of Wates Group.