Buro Happold was appointed to provide building services and specialist consultancy for the Phase IV development of the Eden Project, which includes a new Education Resource Centre known as The Core. Intended to enhance the visitor experience with a range of facilities and incorporating the best in low energy technology, the design is world class in terms of sustainability and performance.

The environmental strategies focused on thermal comfort, indoor air quality, renewable energy and water conservation. Key features of the design include a lightweight spiral timber roof, photovoltaic panels, earth tube ventilation ducts, low energy lighting, super insulation and a site biomass boiler connected into the heating system. The building fabric was carefully designed to conserve energy in winter, reduce heat gain in summer and provide adequate fresh air and daylight throughout.

Wherever possible, spaces are naturally ventilated using a combination of manual and automatic openings, with natural ventilation supplemented by mechanical systems in areas of high occupancy. Energy and water usage are monitored and fully integrated into the site building management system. Other projects in Phase IV include a dry tropics biome, a learning lift, a visitor gateway, a sky bridge, staff accommodation and car park modifications.

Date: Completed in 2006