John Eccles House marks the eastern entrance to the Oxford University Science Park. The Research and Development facility of over 2000m2 includes flexible office and laboratory space. 

The building is arranged in simple rectangular floor plates over three levels supported by triangular ’book-ends' of stacked services: a configuration which delivers the building's distinctive trapezoidal form and provides floor-by-floor flexibility. 

In the search for increased efficiencies of letable floor area, the entrance and reception space to John Eccles House is disengaged from the ground floor flexible floor plate and celebrated as a ’detached’ pavilion. The entrance sequence - an assemblage of ramps, stepped platforms, screen walls and an integral floating deck and canopy is articulated against backdrop of stack bonded blockwork. The entrance 'gangways' span a 'sea' of loosely laid cobble stones, and marks the beginning of a journey of contrasts. Industrial components including prefabricated metal grille 'decking' form the canopy walls and soffits and are juxtaposed against natural cedar screens and aggregate panels. The experimental resin bonded recycled glass surface forms a glowing infill for a galvanised steel balustrade and decking trays.

The materials are repeated in a private 'trapped landscaped’ garden designed by Robert Rumney Associates, located at the rear of the building.

"Proctor and Matthews’ work over the last decade has been characterised by a strong sense of place and a passion for good materials…John Eccles House stands out for its integrity, sure sense of style and strong personality all achieved within the constraints of a tight budget." Ken Powell, Architects Journal.