Client’s Brief

Sydenham Garden provides gardening and creative opportunities for local people experiencing mental health issues, referred from over 30 community organisations and health sector agencies.

In 2010 Architype began working with client, Sydenham Garden Resource Centre, who required a building that was a fully equipped, flexible and comfortable space that allowed the Centre to deliver better services to more people within the community, whilst demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and respecting the integrity of the nature reserve.

Architype’s new building meets Sydenham Garden’s priorities and wider healthcare issues by providing private meeting areas for coworker inductions and 1-to-1 rooms for key workers to meet with clients. A new kitchen and spaces for their education and training needs have been incorporated into the design creating a truly safe place for co-workers and volunteers, as required by the client. Direct access into the beautiful garden, and carefully framed views of the planting activities ensure that the building integrates coherently into its setting and forms a close synergy with the external garden area.

Planning Considerations

Being situated within a predominantly residential area and within an existing nature reserve the building location has been carefully considered to prevent the scheme from imposing on both privacy and environment. Located along the Northern boundary, on the least private area of the site facing a bowling green and pavilion, is the entrance to the Garden Centre along a clear and legible access route from the disabled parking zone.

The flat roof is planted with sedum to minimise the impact on the ground, providing a habitat for the wildlife and a more pleasing green outlook for the surrounding 3 storey residential buildings.

Through the consultation process, the scheme received unanimous support from the local community, with many signing up to become volunteers and who now continue to contribute their time towards the project.

Materials and methods of construction

The material for the exterior finish, Thermowood timber cladding, has been selected with consideration of its environmental characteristics, durability and ease of maintenance. The complete timber exterior offers a natural and warm appearance, exuding a sense of solidity and calmness; essential to create the right atmosphere for the co-workers well being.

The make up of the building is formed from a timber stud wall structure completed with super insulation and detailed with triple glazed windows, which significantly reduces the amount of heat loss.

The interior of the building is finished with organic, non-toxic paints and stains. The ceiling panels are cement-bonded wood wool, manufactured without the addition of chemical substances; they tolerate humidity, reduce noise and complement the architectural quality of the building.

The flooring comprises of natural linoleum made from linseed oil and jute, bamboo pre-oiled flooring and recycled tyre barrier matting at the main entrance doors. Overall the building is a true exemplar of sustainable design, simple in its form and complementary to its natural and calm surroundings representing a high standard of best practice in architecture.