The Core At Eden

Eden’s new Education Resource Centre, known as “The Core” is for events, exhibitions and learning for all and is the new home for innovative schools programmes which have until now been housed in tented accommodation. The building was designed like the Biomes by Grimshaws, it fuses architecture, art and science and technology in its construction.

It was constructed to the clients same demanding requirements encompassing a total team ethic from conception to completion, as all the previous elements which make up the Eden experience and is an exhibition in its own right.

The centre is an example of sustainability, with the roof made of wooden beams from Forestry Stewardship and the copper cladding to the roof coming from Eden’s own Post Mining Alliance. The Mechanical and Electrical services were procured through the McAlpine Joint Venture protocol with MJN Colston Ltd once again being selected as a partner, working with the rest of the team to deliver this innovative project. MJN Colston were able to participate in the development of the design with both the Architect and Buro Happold, the building design engineers, in a team environment where the complete understanding of the clients needs as well as the usual co-ordination issues were appreciated.

The environmental design incorporated a number of design strategies / features that included the use of natural ventilation, natural daylight, grey water harvesting, a state of the art Photovoltaic energy system as well as the usual intelligent controls of both active and passive environmental Building Services Awards systems. Mechanical services comprise: LTHW under floor heating DHW, potable water, grey water harvesting, and control systems. Electrical services systems comprise: power distribution, artificial lighting, earthing, lightning protection and life safety systems. A total flexible solution was employed with regards to the services installation, with extensive use of co-ordinated service Highways.

The project demonstrated best practice in terms of collaborative working to deliver this project on time and within budget, and is an example of what can be achieved when the team ethic is employed.

This project picked up the “Project of the Year” award at the 2006 Building Services awards. MJN Colston received the award in partnership with Buro Happold.

Project Team

  • Client - Eden Projects
  • Main Contractor - McAlpines Joint Venture
  • Architects - Grimshaws
  • Services Engineers - Buro Happold
  • Consultants - Davis Langdon LLP
  • Services value - £1.36m