CUE at the Horniman

The design concept evolved into a building that would be an exciting, contemporary feature – and in itself, be a living exhibit, promoting awareness of ecology and conservation issues.

The CUE building which opened in 1995 visibly demonstrates its ecological construction and environmental strategies. It was ahead of its time, with an environmental rigour that anticipated the transformation in sustainable thinking that was to come. Built from sustainable timber, CUE is insulated with recycled newspaper and finished with organic paints and stains. A natural passive ventilation system is routed through large section hollow prefabricated timber beams and columns, integrating structure and services. The building collects rainwater and recycled greywater through reed beds whilst photo-voltaic cells and solar collectors generate electricity and heat water.

CUE is a wonderfully light, airy space. Glass walls and picture windows create a fluid relationship with the Horniman’s 16-acre garden. CUE also demonstrates the tactile and sensory qualities of ecological building, where organic paints and natural materials with a variety of textures and finishes stimulate our sense of smell and touch, and colours based on natural pigments create a harmonious visual finish. The building has proved highly adaptable and now houses the Horniman’s rich library.

The building had to be built to a very demanding timescale, achieving a water-tight shell within 6 weeks, to enable the museum to host a special event. Architype had to commission a firm of kitchen builders to manufacture the structural elements in a boathouse in Lyme Regis, as they were the only people who could manage the tight timescale, and in a space big enough to build the beams and columns. There were also sensitive planning issues and site challenges such as proximity to the Grade ll* listed museum buildings, being sited within the Horniman gardens, and the proximity of very large trees.