Architype’s Centre for Understanding the Environment at the Horniman Museum in South London is designed as a green exhibit in itself, promoting awareness of ecology and conservation. The design incorporates a natural passive ventilation system integrated into the structure through large section hollow prefabricated timber beams and columns. The building also:

• Collects rainwater

• Recycles its own greywater through reed beds

• Generates electricity through photovoltaic cells

• Heats water through solar collectors

• Utilises the adjacent reed bed water for auditorium cooling

Environmental performance is continuously monitored by computer and visitors can access and engage with the information via an interactive screen.

The centre won a ‘Green Building of the Year’ award in 1997.

www.horniman.ac.uk