The previously underused 5-acre gardens around the Natural
History Museum in London have been remarkably transformed in a scheme by
architects Feilden Fowles. Working closely with landscape architects J & L
Gibbons, and a design team including Gitta Gschwendtner, engineers HRW and Max
Fordham, a new urban oasis has been created alongside a Nature Activity Centre supported
by AWS and Garden Kitchen café. The project
rejuvenates the grounds of this well-loved museum and creates an immersive
timeline of the evolution of the earth which is now fully accessible for the
first time. Geological eras are represented in banded strata of rock and the
garden now features a full-size bronze Diplodocus called Fern. The result is a
tactile living laboratory called the Urban Nature Project.
The Nature Activity Centre and Garden Kitchen blend in
harmony with the green space and have been designed in close association with
the museum’s scientists with thought and care, using natural materials with low
embodied carbon. The frame is created from UK limestone under a Douglas fir
roof with cedar shingles. Douglas fir doors, windows and columns adorn the
inside. Working with acoustic consultants Max Fordham, Troldtekt wood wool
acoustic panels have been utilised through the ceilings to help combat reverberating
sound and create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Troldtekt’s wood wool acoustic panels are Cradle to Cradle
Certified® at Gold level and manufactured using wood from certified
forests (PEFC/09-31-030 and FSC®C115450), positively contributing to
a building’s BREEAM, WELL or LEED points. Panels can also be manufactured with
FUTURECEM® which achieves an approx. 30 per cent lower carbon
footprint than that of Troldtekt based on white cement. Depending on the panel
specified, reaction to fire is classed in accordance with EN 13501 as B-s1,d0
or A2-s1,d0 respectively.
Available in a wide variety of different structures and
colours, they combine optimal sound absorption with an award-winning design.
The Troldtekt range has a minimum expected life cycle of 60 years coupled with
excellent resistance to humidity and tested to meet ball impact standards.
Panels can be supplied as natural wood, unpainted based on FUTURECEM™ offering
a reduced carbon footprint or finished in almost any RAL or NCS colour.
Samples, case studies and technical guidance are available
from www.troldtekt.co.uk or see our product listings on NBS
(https://bit.ly/3vxoTfq) or Material Bank (www.materialbank.eu).
