Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects

Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Chair, Beam, WindowsEleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Exterior PhotographyEleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Windows, BeamEleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, WindowsEleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - More Images+ 11

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Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Nick Kane

Text description provided by the architects. The Lab is one of London’s new facilities built to promote the teaching of science and technology in primary school communities. Delivered for a modest construction budget of £330,000, it is not an adapted or extended classroom, like most other projects, but a model typology of an autonomous building that can accommodate science-related activities for up to 31 pupils. During the design process, we considered how architecture could be manifested through the means of the school curriculum: processes, forces, materials, and living things.

Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade, Windows
© Nick Kane
Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Image 15 of 16
Axonometry
Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Chair, Beam, Windows
© Nick Kane

We imagined that over time the building would become a repository of artifacts, instruments, and constructions, like a contemporary room size cabinet of curiosities. The building is entirely made of timber: sawn spruce beams, columns, and joists in standard sizes, spruce and birch faced plywood built-in furniture and external hard wearing Siberian larch cladding. The structure and materials are fully exposed internally, making the architectural construction visible to young learners.

Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Windows, Beam, Chair
© Nick Kane

The space is flood with natural light and air and the smell of wood. A pair of triangular roof volumes is lifted above the main space giving generous daylight, ventilation and additional height for experiments. Two functional walls with sinks, work surfaces, shelving, and display define an adaptable free space that spills out onto the playground and a science garden (with play equipment designed by Unit Lab and Electric Pedals).

Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Windows, Beam
© Nick Kane

The building is a simple, carefully crafted and environmentally minded piece of architecture that creates a sensitive but distinctive addition to the local urban fabric. Pulled back from its Victorian boundary wall, the roof form reduces its impact on the street while adding to its character. A deep window is punched through the wall, creating a surprise in the monotony of the street, a sign for the Lab and a much-needed visual connection between the school and the neighborhood.

Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Windows
© Yeoryia Manolopoulou
Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Image 16 of 16
Plan

This project is an example of our philosophy of passive environmental design and how architecture can be developed to reduce the reliance on energy-consuming equipment. It is based on an integrated passive design approach where the servicing of the building is kept simple. The objective was to create a comfortable environment where environmental factors generate a meaningful part of the architecture.

Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects - Image 7 of 16
© Nick Kane

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Project location

Address:Lupton St, Kentish Town, London NW5, United Kingdom

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Eleanor Palmer Science Lab / AY Architects" 18 Apr 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/914703/eleanor-palmer-science-lab-ay-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Nick Kane

埃莉诺·帕尔默科学实验室,彰显维多利亚时代围墙/AY Architects

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