Abcam is a leading supplier of research tools to the global life sciences community, in more than 130 countries. Its new headquarters brings more than 450 staff — in laboratories, production and distribution — together on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus for the first time. Vertical and horizontal gold brise soleil give the building a distinctive identity as a new gateway to the biomedical campus. Expansive glazing allows views out to the surrounding countryside and displays the work within to the public, putting ‘science on show’. The interior design reflects the company’s non-hierarchical organisation and interactive culture. An elegant feature stair, linking staggered floor plates of offices and laboratories, provides opportunities for social interaction. The branding strategy uses geometric patterns for wayfinding and to bring privacy to central meeting spaces. Hard and soft landscaping situates the building within the campus and provides outdoor amenity spaces for employees. It also encourages biodiversity with indigenous plantings, bird boxes and bioswale landscaping for onsite rainwater management.