Inside CamLIFE by Longfellow: Gensler Delivers New Life Sciences Campus in Cambridge
Gensler has completed the first phase of CamLIFE, a pioneering science and innovation campus in Cambridge, developed by US-based life sciences real estate investment company Longfellow. Bringing new life to 170,000 square feet of underused office space, the project introduces state-of-the-art laboratories and workplace environments designed to support the region’s fast-growing research and innovation community.
Marking Longfellow’s first UK project, the redevelopment of Capital Park – now known as CamLIFE (Cambridge Lab and Innovation Focused Environment) – is designed to support the next generation of scientific discovery.
Gensler completes transformation of Cambridge offices into state-of-the-art life sciences campus for Longfellow
Comprising three separate buildings, Cam 1, Cam 2 and Cam 3, Gensler has designed a flexible working environment tailored to early stage and scaling life sciences companies, as well as established biopharma companies. The campus offers small, self contained suites ideal for start ups and scale ups, alongside space that can support more mature occupiers, each with its own front door opening onto beautifully renovated shared lobbies.
The buildings offer, high-quality fitted CL2 labs with modular lab benching, breakout areas, and office accommodation for computational research, data science, and focused work. Suites range from 5,500 to 11,000 square feet, with each building capable of housing between four and six small tenants, or the option for a single tenant headquarter from 30,000, 45,000 and up to 60,000 square feet.
The redevelopment brings new energy to Cambridgeshire’s science and innovation economy through sustainable design and community-focused amenities.
Gensler’s design approach embraced adaptive reuse, retaining the existing structural frames and façades to reduce environmental impact. As a result of significantly lowering operational emissions, the buildings are projected to become carbon positive by 2030.
The project targeted a 40% reduction in whole life embodied carbon compared to new construction. Upgraded systems, enhanced thermal performance and all electric operations support long term resilience aligned with net zero ambitions.
Amenities and warm hospitality are central to the CamLIFE experience and form a key part of Longfellow’s brand proposition. Gensler worked in close collaboration with the developer to translate the ethos of its Elevate programme into a thoughtful, human centred design language that moves beyond conventional lab environments.
Welcoming reception spaces and light filled communal areas set the tone for innovation and collaboration. While the architectural and spatial strategy is consistent across Cam 1, Cam 2 and Cam 3, each building’s reception features a subtly distinct colour palette.
Material choices, including birch linings, terrazzo flooring and brass inlays, express quality and care.
New feature staircases connecting the lobbies encourage movement and chance encounters between tenants. Furniture, planting, styling and lighting were carefully curated to create a cohesive, high-quality experience comparable to a central London workplace scheme.
Targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, and WELL enabled certification, CamLIFE integrates enhanced air filtration, wellness-aligned lighting, premium showers and lockers, extensive planting, and rooftop solar PVs. Beyond the buildings, Longfellow is activating the wider 42-acre campus with EV charging, cycle routes, a nursery, onsite apartments, and curated wellness and dining experiences.
Nathan Morgan, Project Director and Global Sciences Leader at Gensler, said:
“CamLIFE reflects Longfellow’s ambition to create a new kind of science district. At Gensler, we are pleased to be supporting their mission, and through our partnership with them, we have delivered flexible and environmentally conscious lab spaces that enable swift occupancy and promote long-term innovation.”
James Evans, Director of Operations at Longfellow, said:
Seeing the first phase of CamLIFE come to life is an exciting milestone for our team and for Cambridge’s innovation community. With Gensler’s architectural and design expertise, we’ve delivered sustainable, future-ready laboratory and workplace environments that encourage collaboration, wellbeing, and scientific progress. These buildings are tailored to the needs of a rapidly growing tenant base across Cambridgeshire and set the foundation for a vibrant new science campus.”
Photo: Vigo Jansons