The Millennium Seed Bank project is one of the largest international conservation projects ever undertaken. The aim is to secure the future of almost all the UK's native flowering plants as well as helping to safeguard 24,000 species of dryland plants from around the world. Seeds are stored in specially designed underground vaults.
Research laboratories and public areas are located above ground with teaching and academic accommodation grouped around a sunken courtyard.
Our commission included the provision of all structural and civil engineering services. The latter was particularly important as the building is cut into the landscape and involved extensive re-modelling of the site.
The roof structures are concrete cylindrical shells spanning between columns to provide uninterrupted clear spans of 14.4m.Funded by the Millennium Commission the project has been designated as a "Landmark project".

Principal: Nirupa Perera

Winner of Civic Trust Award 2001
Winner of RIBA South East Region Award 2001
Concrete Society Certificate of Excellence
Finalist in the Sense Sustainable Design Awards
Mid Sussex Millennium Heritage Award 2001
Shortlisted for Royal Fine Arts Trust Building
of the Year Award 2001