Case Study: Milton Park’s Nebula Development

We were delighted with the quality of the imagery which has helped us convey the space to potential occupiers
— Anna Fletcher, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, MEPC

Client

Milton Park is the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community. With nearly 3 million square feet of floor space across 300 acres is home to over 250 organisations collectively employing thousands of people many of whom are working on some of the world’s greatest challenges.

MEPC is the custodian of Milton Park, a company specialising in creating and curating science parks and urban regeneration projects. MEPC uses imagination to craft meaningful and distinctive places that provide long-term social value and positive change, driving their projects towards sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.

Challenge

MEPC wanted to visualise their latest project, Nebula, located at Milton Park, Oxfordshire. It was critical that the visualisations appealed to potential occupiers from the science, advanced engineering and technology sectors. This development, featuring seven new-build R&D workspaces needed CGI images and fly through video to bring the scheme to life and communicate the technical specifications.

Solution

A series of high-quality CGI images ware produced to showcase the architecture, landscape, and cutting-edge facilities of the Nebula scheme at Milton Park. The visualisations included external views of the modern buildings and detailed interior shots of the office spaces, R&D areas, and layouts. The visualisations succeeded in emphasising the flexibility and advanced technological features of the space on offer.

Implementation

The CGI images where used during the design process to help with the visualisation of the architects and landscape designs developed design ideas.

The CGI images were also used extensively throughout the Nebula brochure in both digital and print formats.

These served as a key tool during the design process and provided promotional material for a leasing campaign to target potential clients.

Results

The CGI visualisations effectively highlighted the key selling points of the development, such as its sustainability, flexibility, and high-tech amenities, helping potential clients visualise the space and its potential before construction completion.

The CGIs were so effective that MEPC commissioned a fly-through animation to further showcase the potential of the internal office spaces.

This animation highlighted the fantastic architecture and landscape, contributing to a compelling environment that engaged viewers and enhanced their understanding of the project.

Advanced Technology Integration

The technical resolution of the fly-through was made feasible through the use of cutting-edge technologies.

The use of real-time rendering technology from Lumion 2024, combined with fast and cost-effective 3D modelling using Trimble SketchUp, allowed for efficient production timelines, which is crucial when working on demanding programs.

Additionally, custom artwork and textures were produced using advanced artificial intelligence tools such as DALL-E and Midjourney, enhancing the visual appeal and detail of the animation.

This graphic, created using DALL-E, has been used in the stairway at the entrance of the building and can be seen in the fly-through animation.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to SRA Architects for their innovative architectural design which reflects Milton Park’s 2040 Vision, aiming to support science, technology, and engineering companies. The design maximises the use of natural light and incorporates sustainable building practices, aiming for a BREEAM rating of 'Excellent' and an EPC rating of ‘A’.

Further gratitude is extended to ASA Landscape Architects for their exceptional landscape design that elevates the client’s vision. Their work enhances the development with outdoor break-out amenity spaces aimed at supporting occupier wellbeing and collaboration, along with integrating essential habitat features.

Conclusion

The strategic use of CGI imagery in real estate marketing significantly enhances how properties are presented and perceived in the market.

For MEPC's Nebula development, this approach not only conveyed the technical specifications and advantages of the property but also generated substantial interest and engagement from potential occupiers.

The subsequent creation of a fly-through animation served to further capitalize on this success, cementing the project's appeal to potential occupiers.

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How could we have taken this project even further?

As a CGI company, we also offer interactive virtual tours that transform the way you market your projects. These tours offer deep engagement and immersion, allowing potential buyers to connect with properties still under development. Accessible from anywhere, they expand your reach, eliminating the need for physical site visits and opening up international markets.

The detailed visualisation and interactivity enable viewers to explore every aspect of a project, enhancing their understanding and interest.

Additionally, virtual tours are a cost-effective marketing tool that simplifies distribution, improves lead generation, and provides a competitive edge by showcasing your project's sophistication and potential.

Incorporate these tours to dynamically showcase your developments and effectively engage with a broader audience.

Why not try it out by clicking on the image below: