Founded in 1853, the Herbarium is the world's leading centre for the study of plant diversity. The new Herbarium building provides long awaited additional archive space for Kew's priceless collection of dried plant specimens, botanic books and illustrations.

The concept for the building is generated by juxtaposing the vault-like, climate-controlled archive (that keeps the specimens at a constant 15°) with airy, day-lit research spaces. These glass and timber research areas undulate around the 3 storey, brick-clad archive enabling scientists to work in close proximity to the collection.

The new wing is linked to the existing herbarium by a timber and glass drum. This houses a circular reading room and ground floor reception that opens onto a newly created south facing courtyard.

The building achieves a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating.

"I think the overall design is fitting for its surroundings; it is contemporary yet still fits in beautifully with the original building... I love the curvy, modern design for which is essentially a large storage area. It makes the building a fantastic place to work in."
Fiona Bradley, Head of Media and Publishing at Kew

AWARDS
RIBA Award (2011)
BD Architect of the Year Awards - Public Building Architect of the Year (2010)

TEAM
Contractor: Willmott Dixon
Structural Engineer: Buro Happold
M&E Engineer: Atelier Ten
Cost Consultant: Fanshawes

FURTHER INFO
>> Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, website
>> Architecture Today article