GrowLab Organics

Hewn designed a purpose-built medicinal cannabis production facility on the Isle of Man, integrating highly controlled agricultural and laboratory environments with a considered, wellness-led workplace.

Sector

Life Sciences

Location

Ballasalla, Isle of Man

Client

GrowLab Organics

Year

2026

Services

Architectural design
Interior architecture
Planning & regulatory support
Technical design and delivery
Masterplanning
Sustainable design

Collaborators

Green Engineering

Project overview

GrowLab Organics challenges expectations by combining a controlled agricultural facility, biomedical laboratory and global headquarters within a single sustainable architectural framework. The 13,000m² building carefully balances the demands of technically precise growing and pharmaceutical functions with the pursuit of holistic wellness central to the company’s mission. Clear spatial organisation and intuitive circulation support complex operational workflows, while thoughtful amenities facilitate connection and lush front of house spaces embrace principles of human-centred design.

Translucent polycarbonate cladding maintains a degree of privacy while illuminating activity within the building.

Design strategy

Encouraging connection between three distinct and highly specialised workforces—growers, laboratory technicians, and administrative teams—was the driving force behind Hewn’s design strategy. Shared amenities, including the entrance, cafeteria, changing facilities, and gym, are conceived as generous, light-filled spaces that encourage informal interaction and the cross-pollination of ideas. Biophilic principles reinforce GrowLab’s commitment to holistic wellness and create an environment that supports mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Together, these spaces establish the building as a flagship headquarters that balances scientific rigour with care, culture, and human connection.

Jon Humphreys

Architect & Director
“GrowLab represents an exciting step forward for the practice, positioning us at the forefront of a new and evolving life sciences sector, but a particularly rewarding part of this collaboration has been engaging with residents of the Isle of Man to ensure the project not only serves our clients but also respects and contributes to the local community.”
GrowLab design embodies the global pharmaceutical brand’s identity and vision of holistic wellness.

Sustainability

The facility is designed to operate entirely on electricity, with power sourced from the Guaranteed Green Energy Tariff, resulting in net zero operational emissions. Rainwater harvesting supports irrigation, while energy generated by lighting systems is recovered and reused within the building. The landscape design prioritises ecological sensitivity through native planting, wildlife habitats, and dark-sky-compliant lighting. Together, these measures create a low-impact environment that balances technical performance with long-term environmental responsibility.

Client testimonial

“From the outset, Hewn has been an invaluable partner. They’ve helped us navigate complex planning applications and brought the creativity, technical rigour, and clear strategic thinking needed to bring this facility to life.”

Charlie Price – Cofounder, GrowLab Organics

We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to start a conversation or learn more about our practice.

London Office

28-29 Great Sutton Street
Second Floor
London
EC1V 0DS

020 3918 5699
info@mailendesign.com

Oxfordshire Office

The Cart Shed
Manor Farm
West Hagbourne
Didcot
OX11 0ND

020 3918 5699
info@mailendesign.com