The Kavli Institute of Cosmology is a two storey independent building close to the Hoyle and Observatory buildings at the Institute of Astronomy. Covering an area of approx. 1000sqm and accommodating 105 people. The buildings orientation was determined to maximise solar gain during the winter months and with brises solei protecting the building from heat gain during the summer.

The building is separately identifiable from other building with the use of timber in the structure which also helped to reduce the buildings environmental impact. Other building elements were chosen for their low embedded energy and where possible modern methods of construction were used to reduce on-site waste and aid speed of construction.

The building achieved a BREEAM “excellent “rating was highly insulated, was naturally lit and passively ventilated.

Ground source heat pumps provided the heating