The Helios Building, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus

The Helios Building at Harwell sets a new standard for sustainable and high-quality office development. Spanning 52,000 ft² across three floors, this striking building marries architectural elegance with environmental performance. Its distinctive façade—featuring pre-aged copper panels, brickwork, and rhythmic window openings—reflects a bold visual identity, while internally, exposed concrete soffits and a large central atrium deliver a dynamic, light-filled environment.

Designed with flexibility and well-being at its core, the Helios Building offers a contemporary, adaptable workplace. The open floorplan, central lightwell, and shared entrance promote connectivity and collaboration. External social areas, wildflower planting, and EV-charging facilities further enhance the user experience and support low-carbon lifestyles.

Achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating with over 76.2% of available credits, the building exemplifies best practice in sustainable design and construction. A responsive façade with solar shading, rooftop renewable energy systems, and thermally efficient construction all contribute to this performance. Smart building systems and high-quality ventilation ensure user comfort and long-term operational efficiency.

1. Award-Winning Sustainability – Winner of Building Project of the Year 2025, the Helios Building achieved BREEAM Excellent through a committed, collaborative delivery team that prioritised energy efficiency, low-impact materials, and occupant well-being.
2. Low-Carbon Structural Innovation – The project’s structural design minimised concrete use, employed prefabricated reinforcement, and recycled materials from demolition, cutting embedded carbon without compromising integrity.
3. Driving Local Impact – In partnership with Harwell and Kingerlee, the project delivered over £38k in social value and £4.7m in local economic value. Initiatives included apprenticeships, charity support, and inclusive hiring—all reinforcing a commitment to community and lasting social legacy.

The Helios Building is more than a workspace—it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable development.

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Credited Organisations: ADP Architecture, eHRW, Darke & Taylor and Bidwells