Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
The Sainsbury Laboratory at Cambridge University has won the World's Best Learning Building award at the prestigious World Architecture Festival.
The Sainsbury Laboratory brings together world-leading scientists in a working environment of the highest quality in the University's Botanic Garden. This 11,000m2 plant science research centre also houses specimens brought back on the Beagle by Charles Darwin.
“This project connects building and landscape in a poetic and meaningful way. It is beautifully considered in terms of its human scale, and for activities for research and learning. The choice of materials display a profound tactile sense.
- WAF jury commendation.
The client brief called for a world class architecture for world class science. Showcase laboratories benefit from unusually high levels of daylight through extensive roof and façade glazing. Careful integration of the services with the structural form maintains the sense of openness throughout.
Achieving a target of 10% renewables on site was significant. Arup’s detailed energy analyses and liaison with the local council meant these requirements were met early in the planning process. The laboratory has a bespoke BREEAM ‘Excellent’ EPC B rating.