Wrangling Qubits in a Professional Quantum Lab

Precision meets possibility inside the NQCC’s quantum labs, where low-ferromagnetic materials and vibration isolation systems create an ideal environment for cutting-edge quantum research. All images: Courtesy of NQCC

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), a state-of-the-art 4,000-square-meter facility at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, England, was officially opened on October 15, 2024. The NQCC facility will house 12 quantum computers designed to advance quantum technology and solve real-world challenges in energy, healthcare, AI, and climate modelling. Unlike similar facilities, it offers open access to academia, industry, and government, fostering collaboration to unlock quantum computing’s full potential. Supported by substantial UK Research and Innovation investment, the NQCC will drive innovations like energy grid optimization, faster drug discovery, and improved climate predictions, solidifying the UK’s leadership in quantum research and its transformative applications across sectors.

Lab Design News spoke to a representative from NQCC about the architectural and engineering considerations required to support advanced quantum computing infrastructure, the integration of collaborative spaces for diverse stakeholders, and how the facility’s design balances cutting-edge technology with sustainability and future-proofing.

Q: What specific architectural and engineering considerations were made to support the advanced quantum computing infrastructure housed within the NQCC?

A: As a national lab for quantum computing, we’re operating within a highly competitive global race to build, deploy, and utilize quantum computers. Our goal is not only to support the UK in its adoption of quantum computing technologies but also to enable the skills/collaboration needed to delivery positive benefits within society. To achieve this, we needed to design and build a laboratory that houses technical capabilities, skills, and is environmentally sustainable over its lifetime.

When we started designing the NQCC Quantum Computing (QC) Labs, we set ourselves a difficult task, which was not helped by a global pandemic.Unlike most QC Labs around the world which focus on specific quantum computing architecture types, our focus was to work with all QC architecture types. In fact, almost any quantum-scale object which can be manipulated to demonstrate quantum-scale effects like superposition, entanglement or interference, could be used for quantum computing.

In the realm of quantum physics, the underlying constituents (atoms, photons, and individual particles) are significantly affected by their surroundings, and so the lab designs needed to implement reductions in environmental interference, noise, vibrations, electromagnetics (EM), magnetic fields (both ambient and within material properties), electrical cable isolation and via ground earth isolation / earth nets. 

This included the use of low-ferromagnetic materials within the base concrete in the lab areas, through to positioning EM sources (e.g. lifts, pump-motors, hand dryers, electrical supplies, ACU, inverters etc.) away from labs, through to managing vibrations within Optics Labs with passive / active vibration isolation and use of vibration absorption plinths for plant to limit low/high frequency vibration transmissions through the superstructure.  Many were implemented in the facility, with some included for futureproofing.

Within the labs (Optics, Electrical Support and Cryogenics etc.) each of the work areas were zoned into experimentally active, IT desk and data analysis with gaps for clear safety walkways, including an assessment for active magnetic fields (e.g. pacemakers etc.), and sightlines for safe working.

To support the various quantum computing architectures, our labs were designed to be highly flexible in terms of height, spatial layout, temperature and humidity control, lab-scale cryogenics, and gas management (e.g., compressed-air (CA), inert gases).  Additionally, we also incorporated chilled water systems, robust electrical supplies (with UPS), IT networks for data handling, cybersecurity infrastructure, professional-grade cable layouts, and dedicated maintenance access zones - all while ensuring stringent health and safety standards.

Due to these early design considerations, the NQCC are today supporting the most promising quantum computing architectures currently in development. These include (i) superconducting quantum processing units (SC-QPU’s), and (ii) Ion Trap QPU’s (Optical-QPU’s). SC-QPU’s require labs capable of supporting Cryogenics / Dilution Fridges, and Optical-QPU’s need to support Lasers, Microwaves, RF devices, Cryo-Electronics and Vacuum devices.  NQCC has more recently also started working with Neutral Atoms (also known as Cold Atoms / Tweezer Arrays), Photonics and Silicon/Electron Spin QC architecture types.  This makes five types of QC architectures which we can manage, with flexibility to adapt to changes in the field.  

In addition to the main NQCC facility, the NQCC built (a year earlier), a smaller version of the facility, known as the Quantum Innovation Hub, to practice some design techniques, but also provide additional capacity within the Harwell Campus, to enable collaboration and supply chain development.

The NQCC facility blends flexible infrastructure with sustainability, supporting five quantum architectures while minimizing its carbon footprint.

Q: Could you share insights into the design features that enhance the facility’s collaborative environment for industry, academia, and government stakeholders?

A: From day one, the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) was built around our NQCC goals, which included, the balance between professional labs designed for quantum computing R&D, and the wellbeing of the scientists and engineers working day-to-day to deliver the mission.    

We started the design work in March 2020, at the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic—which turned out to be the most difficult time for science organizations with labs, as it decimated collaborative working for many months, and led to a wellbeing crisis few scientists will easily forget. The NQCC design team kept the lessons-learnt in mind throughout, and wherever possible, considered “new ways of working,” which would provide more natural light, quiet but also energetic spaces which enhance wellbeing, but without removing the focused lab and office environments needed to deliver successful outcomes and innovation.   

From the moment you enter the building, the design offers natural convening spaces that enhance opportunities for collaboration. The NQCC facility design allows staff scientists/engineers their own spaces. Academic, industry, and government stakeholder’s collaborative have open spaces to informally discuss/share ideas or quiet desks; coupled with formal spaces (which were IT and online collaboration ‘rich’) to receive/share training, mentoring, or present more widely.   

Dedicated meeting rooms of various sizes have been incorporated to support groups ranging from small meetings of two people to larger gatherings of over 30. The building also provides informal open areas, a few two-person offices, large meeting rooms, quiet pods, and open-plan offices—all designed to accommodate different working and collaboration styles. 

Whilst collaboration was enhanced, the protection of Intellectual-Property (IP) and security stance were also enhanced, to make them inherent in our designs.

Q: How does the facility’s design accommodate the unique cooling and environmental control needs of quantum computing systems?

A: Unlike most quantum computing (QC) labs around the world that focus on a single architecture type, our goal was to support multiple QC architectures within the same facility. To accommodate leading architectures such as superconducting quantum processing units (SC-QPUs), ion trap QPUs, neutral atoms, photonics, and silicon/electron spin QC systems, we needed lab spaces capable of supporting a wide range of technical requirements. These included cryogenics and dilution refrigerators, lasers, microwaves, RF devices, cryo-electronics, and vacuum systems.

To manage these QC architectures meant our labs had to be very flexible in height, physical space, temperature & humidity controls, lab-scale cryogenics, and gas management (Compressed-Air (CA), Inert Gases etc.), chilled water supplies, and robust electrical supplies. In addition, we required world-class IT networks, strong cybersecurity, professional cable layouts, efficient maintenance access, and, of course, comprehensive health and safety systems. All of this had to be achieved with environmental sustainability as a core consideration.

The supporting engineering plant and environmental controls were extensive. We integrated day-to-day sustainable operation into the facility environment through 24-hour sensing in shared spaces to reduce heating, ACU, and lighting. Coupled with use of air-source heat pumps, free-cooling for chillers, and photovoltaic (PV) panels all integrated through an intelligent building management systems (BMS). Together, these measures have established a long-term pathway toward a lower carbon footprint. 

While many aspects of the engineering plant could have been hidden, the design team made an early decision to highlight them as a feature. As a result, walking through the facility reveals exposed aluminum air-conditioning ducts, offset by LED lighting, PIR sensors, and network routers—all visually contrasted against natural materials like wood. Notably, 80 cm of cross-laminated timber (CLT) was used in place of concrete in non-critical floors, embedding low-carbon manufacturing practices and ensuring a sustainable footprint from construction through to eventual decommissioning and material disposal.

These design choices, combined with our long-term target of achieving a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability rating, have resulted in a projected embedded carbon reduction of over 35 percent compared to a generic equivalent design, based on assessments aligned with UK Building Regulations (2013).

Designed for collaboration, the NQCC’s open-plan spaces and high-tech meeting rooms foster synergy between academia, industry, and government.

Q: What challenges did the team face in constructing a space that can safely house and maintain 12 quantum computers, and how were these challenges addressed?

A: In addition to the construction challenges posed by supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, where every material had to be carefully evaluated for timelines, availability, and cost—our ambition to support multiple quantum computing (QC) architectures required even more extensive planning from the outset.

We had to consider the specific requirements of different QC architectures when designing the spaces, including factors such as cooling, electrical wiring, and networking, while ensuring the labs were spacious and adaptable enough to accommodate flexible configurations for future needs. 

As a result, our labs were planned to support a wide range of technologies, including cryogenics and dilution refrigerators, lasers and optical systems, microwaves and RF devices, cryo-electronics, and vacuum systems. The large, open, and flexible configurations allow us to host multiple QC systems across two key categories: first, in-house R&D platforms; and second, platforms procured from external quantum computing start-ups to support industry development and technology scaling. 

Q: How does the layout design balance secure, restricted areas with open-access workspaces for users from diverse sectors?

A: While collaboration remains critical to achieving our goals at the NQCC, it must be carefully balanced with the requirements of quantum computing R&D, staff and partner safety and wellbeing, IP protection, and overall security. These considerations were integral to the layout and design of the facility. 

The NQCC scientists and engineers come from a diverse background of academia and industry, both in the UK and abroad. Within quantum computing and quantum science, the need to collaborate is essential, but free and easy access is not possible, especially in a scientific environment where cybersecurity threats are every present, as is the ease by which a picture or data, can be shared in an instant on social media. Cybersecurity is embedded in everything we do at the NQCC. We enforce strict protocols around photography, social media, and information sharing, with varying levels of control depending on NQCC needs and stakeholder requirements. All staff receive training in IP management and security. 

This digital security is complemented by robust physical security measures built into the facility. These include secure, restricted-access areas, monitored zones, and online surveillance systems. Open spaces are accessible to all for collaborative work, while restricted areas are available based on business needs. This careful balance between open and secure spaces supports both effective collaboration and the protection of IP and ongoing R&D. 

Additionally, the building includes dedicated secure-access and holding areas for the delivery of large, sensitive equipment. 

Exposed ducts, natural materials, and cross-laminated timber floors at NQCC highlight engineering transparency and a commitment to sustainable design.

Q: Were there any specific sustainability practices or technologies incorporated into the NQCC design to align with the UK’s clean energy goals?

A: Yes—we integrated day-to-day sustainable operation into the facility environment through 24-hour sensing in shared spaces to reduce heating, ACU, and lighting. Coupled with use of air-source heat pumps, free-cooling for chillers, and photovoltaic (PV) panels all integrated through an intelligent Building Management Systems (BMS), has allowed us a long-term route to lower carbon footprint.  These ideas coupled with the long-term target of BREEAM ‘Excellent’ for overall sustainability has led to a projected reduction in embedded carbon of >35 percent against an equivalent generic design, when assessed against the UK Building Regulations (2013).

Q: What role did user experience play in the design, especially in terms of accessibility for industry partners and students working on-site?

A: We began our design work in March 2020, at the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This meant that application of user and operating experience became critical in the NQCC design goals. The combined experience of the design and construction consortia (Hawkins Brown, Hoare Lea, Ramboll, ARCADIS, WATES, SES Engineering, and CPC Projects), coupled with the project management experience of CPC Projects, coupled with STFC building and estates teams, and the NQCC experience for HPC facilities and Emerging Technologies, all tied together through an NQCC aesthetic vision.  This led to a highly collaborative and integrated design approach.  

The resulting NQCC facility provides dedicated spaces for staff scientists and engineers, while also supporting collaboration among academic, industry, and government stakeholders. Open areas are available for informal discussions and idea-sharing, alongside quiet desks for focused work. These are complemented by well-equipped formal spaces for training, mentoring, and presentations. 

Q: Can you explain any specialized safety features built into the NQCC design, particularly to address the risks unique to quantum computing technology?

A: A few safety design features were required—specifically, the management of cryogenics, lasers, vacuums, and electrical supplies. These elements have been built into the facility to provide critical baseline health and safety measures.

Within the labs (Optics, Electrical Support and Cryogenics, etc.) each of the work areas were zoned into experimentally active, IT desk and data analysis with gaps for clear safe walkways, including an assessment for active magnetic fields (e.g. pacemakers etc.), and sightlines for safe working.

The design (for safe maintenance and repair), however, was a concern, and so where possible throughout the building, if an opportunity to allow for a little more space, easier access, or safer working was available, those options were taken up. This made day-to-day operations and maintenance easier, through simpler Risk-Assessment-Method-Statements (RAMS), to simple repairs. Examples include some aspects of working at heights, cable repairs and fire-stopping, use of working platforms, etc.). 

Additionally, the building includes a separate access route for the delivery of heavy machinery, ensuring that critical equipment can be moved safely and efficiently to the required locations. 

Every element of the NQCC—from cryogenic-ready labs to smart building systems—was engineered to futureproof quantum discovery and innovation.

Q: How was the interior space designed to support the quantum apprenticeship program, PhD studentships, and other educational initiatives?

A: The key features to support apprenticeships, students and educational initiatives were to provide collaboration, mentoring, and training spaces for flexible provisioning.   

The NQCC facility has been designed to create a welcoming environment, with social spaces alongside dedicated work zones, enabling early-career individuals, students, and apprentices to feel embedded and part of the team as they learn and work alongside experts. Open collaborative areas and dedicated training and meeting rooms provide formal spaces for learning, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing. 

The inclusion of a wellbeing room and open spaces were a developing requirement which came from the experiences of our staff following the pandemic, and which have turned out to be popular with positive feedback. The wellbeing room offers staff and partners a quiet, calming space, as well as soundproof pods distributed throughout the building to support focused, quiet work.  Outdoor spaces, including a roof terrace and gardens with outdoor furniture, further encourage social interaction and relationship-building in a relaxed, natural setting. 

The NQCC laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge equipment and high-performance computing resources, enabling students and apprentices to train on state-of-the-art technology in a real-world environment. 

Q: Looking forward, how flexible is the facility’s design to accommodate future expansions or advancements in quantum computing technologies?

A: As mentioned, quantum particles are significantly affected by their environment, and so lab designs need to be able to evolve, as the needs to isolate environmental effects for quantum devices changes. To this end, the NQCC continues to review new ways to design future lab spaces which take account of practical lessons learnt (from operating the current labs), and how our staff/stakeholders use them. This versatility ensures that we can support a wide range of R&D activities across different technology pathways.

We are continuously horizon scanning and actively working in partnership with academia, industry, and government stakeholders to identify and develop the most promising quantum computing architectures. The inherent design flexibility of the building provides us with the capability to adapt quickly—whether that means reconfiguring lab spaces, upgrading infrastructure, or expanding into new technology domains—as the field continues to evolve.

This adaptability ensures that the NQCC remains at the forefront of quantum innovation, ready to support emerging needs, scaling and future advancements in quantum computing.