Synergy

The Herbarium - Royal Botanical Gardens

Location

:

Kew, London

Sector

:

Laboratories

Architect

:

Edward Cullinan Architects

Value

:

£12M

Dates

:

2002 - ongoing

Current Status

:

Completed

Description

:

The new 5000m² extension to one of the world's most comprehensive library of dried plant specimens, seeds and illustrated botanical literature has received an “Excellent” BREEAM rating. Due for completion in 2009 the internal archive environment must be kept at a steady 15 Celsius with minimal humidity, clean air and low lux light levels to ensure survival of all the stored specimens. A close control air conditioning system maintains these conditions within narrow tolerances. Laboratory and study areas all utilise natural light as much as possible to minimise the need for artificial lighting and movement sensors to reduce energy usage in unoccupied spaces.