FirmenichAdaptive reuse and feasibility design for a new R&D hub
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Category
Interior Design, Architecture
Location
France
Type
Workplace, Laboratories, Workplace Strategy
Crux was appointed to design a state-of-the-art laboratory facility for Firmenich, bringing together research, testing, and client facing environments within a single, high performance setting. The ambition was to create a world class laboratory environment that supported scientific excellence while providing a refined experience for visiting clients and collaborators.
As the project progressed, it became clear that the selected building presented significant constraints that fundamentally impacted feasibility. Crux’s role therefore evolved to include rigorous assessment of building suitability alongside design development.
Firmenich’s brief was ambitious, combining advanced laboratory functions with client facing spaces that reflected the quality and innovation of the brand. The intent was to deliver an environment capable of supporting demanding scientific work while hosting sampling, review, and presentation activity.
However, the building selected for the project had not originally been designed for this level of technical intensity. Structural capacity, servicing allowances, and environmental performance quickly emerged as critical factors that could not be resolved through design alone.
Crux approached the project through a combination of design development and feasibility led analysis. The team travelled to France and Switzerland to observe scientists at work, interview users, and study existing laboratory environments, ensuring the proposed facility reflected real workflows rather than assumptions.
“Not all our best work gets built, but it always builds insight.”
— Heather Saunders, Founder | Principle
Key Features
Feasibility led assessment of an existing warehouse to determine fitness for purpose
Integration of commercial, research, and client facing requirements within one design framework
Early identification of structural and servicing constraints
Alignment of technical performance with spatial and experiential intent
Demonstrates the value of early design involvement in informing building choice and shaping successful outcomes
Clear decision making that avoided downstream cost, delay, and risk
Scenario testing and benchmarking were used to test spatial arrangements, servicing strategies, and operational adjacencies. Care was taken due to the nature of the materials being handled, which required strict control, traceability, and protection against long term material and odour absorption within the built environment.
This lab project was different because the strength and persistence of the materials being handled demanded exceptional control over every surface, movement, and interaction within the space.
As feasibility issues became clearer, Crux worked transparently with the client to explain risks, implications, and options, ensuring decisions were informed and grounded in evidence.
“Designing a lab for the world's finest scents.”
— Former Customer
While the design ambition for a state-of-the-art laboratory was clear, the project was ultimately constrained by the limitations of the building itself. Crux’s early involvement ensured these issues were identified before irreversible commitment, protecting the client from significant downstream cost, delay, and operational compromise.
The project stands as a clear example of how strong design intent must be matched by a building that is genuinely fit for purpose.
While the building was not delivered, the process provided Firmenich with clear evidence based insight that prevented significant downstream expenditure and programme risk.
This project demonstrates Crux’s role in creating clarity at critical decision points. By integrating strategy, design, and technical understanding early, we enabled the client to determine fitness for purpose with confidence and protect long term value.
The earlier Crux is involved in a project, the greater the positive impact we can have on building selection, design decisions, and the likelihood of a successful built outcome. Early engagement allows risks to be identified when they are still easy to address, ensuring investment is directed toward solutions that are genuinely fit for purpose.
At Crux, success is measured not only by what is built, but by how effectively risk, cost, and complexity are addressed before they become problems.