The Thornton Building, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), has officially opened at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Hinxton, Cambridge, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of this world-leading hub for genomics and computational biology.
Home to over 200 staff at EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), the new Thornton Building has been designed to foster collaboration, innovation and sustainability. With a low-carbon timber structure, biophilic design and adaptable workspaces, it offers an inspiring environment where scientists address global challenges in health, food security and biodiversity.
Located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, home to world-leading organisations in genomics and computational biology, the Thornton Building is named after Dame Janet Thornton and marks the first phase of a broader campus expansion. It provides state-of-the-art workspaces, a seminar suite and a café for EMBL-EBI, part of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
EMBL-EBI manages the world’s most comprehensive suite of freely accessible biological data resources and analytical tools, essential for scientific discovery and innovation in areas such as human health, agriculture and biodiversity loss. The Thornton Building supports the institute’s continued growth and partnerships with academia and industry through its flexible, collaborative environment.
Designed around principles of accessibility, environmental responsibility and wellbeing, the building prioritises natural light, communication and flexibility. Generous windows offer expansive campus views, while aligned glazing between meeting rooms fosters openness. Breakout areas and social spaces, framed by vibrant planting and overlooking a central atrium, reinforce connections with nature. Timber interiors contribute to a calm, welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by a diagrid rooflight above the forum that illuminates the heart of the building.
A biophilic core supports both wellbeing and sustainability, with a pioneering low-carbon approach prioritised from the outset. Using the ‘FCBS Carbon’ whole life carbon tool, the design team optimised key elements - structure, envelope and grid- to minimise embodied carbon. The resulting CLT (cross-laminated timber) and Glulam structure not only reduces emissions but creates a warm, natural interior.
The building incorporates air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce energy use, alongside natural cork flooring for comfort and sustainability. Facilities such as cycle storage and showers encourage low-carbon commuting.
Inclusive design features include a dedicated 'New Parents' room and a flexible 'Wellness/Multi-Faith Room', supporting a wide range of needs from collaborative sessions to quiet reflection. These spaces promote both professional and personal wellbeing, creating a truly adaptable and inclusive workplace.
Kossy Nnachetta, Partner at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, said:
“We care about how people feel in and around the spaces we create. Architecture can enhance research and collaboration. The Thornton Building, with its biophilic design, is about more than greenery, it’s about connecting people with nature. From outdoor workspaces to respite areas, and natural materials like exposed CLT, glulam and cork, we’ve created an environment that supports wellbeing and innovation. It’s been a privilege to design a space that will help shape the future of genomics.”
Mary Barlow, EMBL-EBI Head of Major Initiatives, added:
“The Thornton Building enables us to meet growing user demand and scale our data management capabilities. Its diverse spaces will support collaboration and knowledge exchange across sectors.”
The Wellcome Genome Campus, established in 1993, employs over 2,500 people and plays a vital role in the Cambridge life sciences ecosystem. A driver of scientific and industrial innovation, the campus is dedicated to translating genomics research into real-world impact. The Thornton Building embodies this mission—offering a flexible, inclusive and sustainable workspace that supports cutting-edge science and vibrant community life.
Team:
Architects: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
Client: European Bioinformatics Institute
Structural engineer: Ramboll
M&E consultant: Hoare Lea
QS Gleeds
Landscape consultant: LDA Design
Acoustic consultant: Hoare Lea
Project manager: Gleeds
CDM co-ordinator: CDRM Services
Approved building inspector: Sweco
Identity & Wayfinding Consultant: Thomas.Matthews Communication Design
Main contractor: Kier Construction
BREEAM Rating Excellent
Photographer: ©Peter Landers Photography
