Many businesses require more than standard office space, especially those in science, technology, or manufacturing.
A more technical workspace, like a dry lab setup, can unlock operational efficiency and better collaboration. These specialised environments support computer-based research and development work, including:
- Data analysis
- Data modelling
- Data programming
This blog examines why renting lab space in a hybrid building is a strategic choice for these types of organisations seeking to optimise their operations.
More than just a space
Winnersh Triangle supports hybrid use in half of its buildings, combining labs, offices, data centres, and more under one roof. Occupiers like Tepeo, Intuitive, and M2M Pharma already benefit from mixed-use space, including dry lab facilities that integrate seamlessly with their business operations.
With 1.5 million sq ft of total floor space and a strong science and tech occupier base, Winnersh Triangle is built for specialist businesses that require versatile, highly adaptable environments.
This approach eliminates the traditional barriers between technical and administrative functions, creating a unified workspace that supports widely diverse business needs.
Seamless collaboration between teams
When labs and offices are in the same location, departments work more efficiently.
The physical proximity removes the logistical hurdles that typically slow down project progression and decision-making processes. Close proximity supports better communication between R&D and management, enabling real-time discussions about project developments, budget considerations, and strategic direction.
Furthermore, face-to-face access to lab teams reduces misunderstandings and accelerates decision-making.
Instead of lengthy email chains or scheduled video calls, team members can receive immediate responses such as:
- To clarify technical specifications
- Discuss timeline adjustments
- Review experimental results
This immediate accessibility proves particularly valuable during critical project phases or when urgent decisions need to be made.
Winnersh Triangle occupiers, such as Intuitive, have setups with 50% of their space dedicated to robotic surgical training, directly adjacent to office functions. This arrangement allows technical demonstrations to occur alongside business meetings, creating opportunities for cross-functional learning and innovation.
The park is home to leading science and tech brands, working in an innovation-friendly ecosystem where companies can learn from each other’s approaches and potentially collaborate on projects.
Fewer silos, stronger company culture
Operating across multiple sites can create a disconnect between teams, leading to fragmented communication and conflicting priorities. When technical and administrative teams rarely interact, they develop different working styles, priorities, and even vocabularies that can hinder effective collaboration.
Countering this, shared facilities promote cross-functional relationships and reduce the “us versus them” dynamic that can arise when departments operate in isolation.
A unified environment supports shared goals and smoother workflows. When employees from different departments share common spaces like kitchens, meeting rooms, and recreational areas, they naturally develop a better understanding of each other’s challenges and contributions.
These informal interactions often lead to innovative solutions and improved working relationships.
Winnersh Triangle is designed as a self-contained business community, supporting a wide range of companies across science, technology, and engineering. This concentration of similar businesses creates a collaborative atmosphere where companies can share resources, knowledge, and best practices.
Amenities and events at Winnersh Triangle enhance collaboration and community cohesion, providing structured opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.
Enhanced operational efficiency
The time saved moving between separate buildings or locations adds up over the course of a year.
When teams need to transport equipment, share physical documents, or conduct joint experiments, the logistics of coordinating between multiple sites can consume considerable time and resources.
Equipment, components, or data can be handled more securely and quickly onsite, reducing the risk of damage, loss, or security breaches during transport.
On-the-ground troubleshooting becomes more practical with everyone under one roof.
Technical issues that might take hours to resolve through remote communication can often be addressed within minutes when expert staff can physically examine equipment and collaborate directly with users. This immediate response capability proves crucial for maintaining productivity and meeting project deadlines.
The hybrid-ready buildings allow occupiers to customise their footprint for R&D, lab use, and admin all within one unit. This flexibility enables businesses to adapt their space allocation as projects evolve or business priorities shift.
Occupiers like FLB and Tepeo have scaled their spaces over time, demonstrating how the campus adapts to operational needs without requiring businesses to relocate or negotiate separate lease agreements.
Practical infrastructure in one place
Many business parks don’t offer both lab and office space together, forcing companies to compromise on their ideal setup or manage multiple lease agreements. Having to rent two separate spaces can be more costly and less efficient, particularly when considering the duplication of utilities, security systems, and amenities across multiple locations.
However, renting a combined space with shared amenities streamlines operations and cuts overhead.
Businesses can access meeting rooms, presentation facilities, catering services, and parking without maintaining separate arrangements at multiple sites. This consolidation also simplifies facility management, security protocols, and maintenance schedules.
Winnersh Triangle features:
- Data centres
- Dry lab capability
- Offices
- Customer experience centres
All within the same campus. The park infrastructure includes Fitwel-certified buildings, ISO 14001 accreditation, and 100% renewable energy in managed areas, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and employee well-being whilst maintaining the technical standards required for specialist businesses.
The importance of location
A central, well-connected location improves access for staff, partners, and suppliers. When choosing a combined lab and office space in a hybrid building, businesses should look for setups near transportation links and tech or science clusters.
This strategic positioning reduces commute times for employees, facilitates client visits, and ensures reliable supply chain connections.
Being in the right environment also supports recruitment and reputational strength. Companies located within established technology hubs benefit from enhanced credibility and easier access to skilled talent pools.
The concentration of similar businesses creates a professional ecosystem that attracts high-quality candidates and potential partners.
Located close to Reading, one of the UK’s top tech clusters, with strong connections to Heathrow, Gatwick, and London, Winnersh Triangle offers exceptional connectivity for businesses with national and international operations.
The location is tied to regional universities like Reading and Portsmouth, offering access to a deep STEM-qualified talent pool. At Winnersh Triangle, 51% of surveyed professionals hold STEM qualifications, and an additional 40% have obtained a postgraduate degree. This enables businesses to recruit skilled professionals and maintain connections with cutting-edge research.
Looking for a dual-purpose business space?
Winnersh Triangle exemplifies the benefits covered in this blog, providing a space where technology and science businesses thrive.
More than a workspace; find your space in Winnersh Triangle, a 1.5 million sq ft mixed-use professional campus located in Reading, with a wide range of offerings, including major headquarters buildings, grade-A offices and start-up office suites.
Get in touch with us today to discover how your technology company could benefit from joining our thriving business community.
