At Bourn Quarter, VOOR Architectural Design Ltd transformed a new industrial unit into a hygienic, food-safe laboratory for Xampla Ltd—a company pioneering a revolution in sustainable materials.

Xampla has developed the world’s first plant protein material for commercial use, a next-generation innovation that performs like synthetic polymers but decomposes fully and naturally, leaving no environmental harm. Their mission? To replace everyday single-use plastics, from sachets and packaging films to hidden microplastics in liquids and lotions, with sustainable, biodegradable alternatives.

Their groundbreaking Morro™ material is a high-performance replacement for the world’s most polluting plastics. At the end of its life, it can be ‘bio-assimilated’ by microorganisms in the soil, turning waste into fertiliser. This cutting-edge technology is a triple win for the environment: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making efficient use of agricultural byproducts, and eliminating plastic pollution.

To support Xampla’s mission, we created a bespoke laboratory space tailored to their unique needs. Our scope included a small production area, a fire-rated plant room, office space, a canteen, and storage and distribution facilities. Navigating the challenges of planning applications, Building Control, CDM Principal Designer responsibilities, and Landlord Licence to Alter (LTA) applications, we delivered a space designed for precision and scientific innovation.

This state-of-the-art facility, connected to Cambridge University and the Cambridge Science Park, positions Xampla at the forefront of sustainable development—delivering materials that protect the planet without compromising performance.