9 November 2003
Sustainable environmental design at the Eden Project
Buro Happold’s environmental engineers are designing building services systems that are bringing the next phase of the Eden Project to life. The systems will suit both people and plants – creating the different environments needed: cool, cosy, uplifting or quiet.
Buro Happold is working closely with the Grimshaw architectural team, advising on the building form to ensure it performs to the highest environmental standards. Environmental issues are a matter of great public debate and concern. Tomorrow’s buildings need to respect and reflect the growing emphasis upon energy conservation and global protection. A building at the Eden project, a development known for its environmental commitments, has to be at the forefront of environmental building performance. All aspects of the design of the centre are under close scrutiny to ensure they are as green as possible. Buro Happold’s engineers have responded with creative strategies that make use of the power of the sun. The wind is harnessed to drive ventilation. Rainwater will be recycled. Engineers are even looking at ways to develop energy from food waste and local wood cuttings.
“The whole idea is to design buildings with the minimal dependence on fossil fuels,” says David Herd, Project Principal at Buro Happold. "The Eden Project gives us the opportunity to work as part of a very inspirational team, and presents the kind of challenges which allow us to explore state-of-the-art sustainable design."
Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976 offering civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, quantity surveying, building services and environmental engineering, health and safety management, infrastructure and traffic engineering, ground engineering, façade engineering, fire engineering, computational fluid dynamics analysis, disability design consultancy, project management, urban design and a range of specialist CAD services.
