Restormel and Eden Project clinch national success

Restormel Borough Council and the Eden Project triumphed at the annual Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Awards.

Restormel and Eden were delighted to scoop first place for Best Structural Innovation (Eden's Core Building).

Eden and Restormel also secured one of three nominations for project of the year.

The Eden Project has become a national showcase for state-of-the art structures, and this was no exception.

The Core is the latest addition to the development of the Eden Project in Cornwall.

The project provides a much needed education resource incorporating rooms, talkshops and exhibition space.

Opened to the public in September 2005, and officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on June 1 2006, the Core seeks to convey Eden's central message of the relationship between people and the plant kingdom.

Accordingly, the building geometry takes its inspiration from the growth of plants in nature.

The design lead by architects Grimshaw, was developed in collaboration with artist Peter Randall-Page and structural engineers SKM Anthony Hunts.

Restormel Borough Council's Building Control Department was greatly involved in making sure that all building regulations were adhered to, developing their long standing relationship with the construction team of McAlpine JV, and can be proud of their part in making such a futuristic concept fit with regulations that were written, long before projects such as this were ever dreamed of.

Many plants exhibit a pattern of opposing spirals borne out of natures desire to fill space in the most economic fashion. Well-known examples are the head of sunflower, pinecone and the pineapple.

These patterns, known in botanical science as spiral phyllotaxis, form the mathematical basis for the structural form of the building. The phyllotactic grid is draped over a segment of a torus, resulting in a complex double curved form.

This unusual structural solution, together with the demanding sustainable requirements of the client has produced an excellent example of all round 'sustainable construction'.

The building utilises uPVC free products, FSC timber, a fully recyclable copper roof, grey / ground water harvesting, waste recycling and segregation. The realisation of the project with its complex geometry and integrated services demonstrates the achievement and close cooperation of all involved, from Eden, McAlpine JV, Grimshaws, SKM Anthony Hunt, Restormel Building Control and even Mother Nature herself.

Councillor Annette Egerton, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, said: "I am delighted that Restormel and Eden have received recognition for sustainable design and construction, it is an amazing building which could only be achieved by an innovative design and approach and this can only be reflection of the working relationship held between Restormel and Eden."