Robotics Living Lab, Work in Progress Pavilion

Project Info

Conceived as a lightweight kit of parts, this adaptable research building combines UK-grown timber and straw to create a low-carbon pavilion for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Fashion Institute.

Created for the faculty’s Robotics Living Lab, the pavilion provides a flexible setting for research, collaboration and public engagement, supporting innovation in the use of robotics within the fashion industry.

Featuring a Douglas Fir timber frame and straw-insulated wall panels, the building promotes the use of native construction materials in contemporary architecture. The exposed timber structure defines the character of the interior, complemented by whitewashed plywood linings and charred UK larch cladding. Passive environmental strategies create a comfortable, naturally lit environment suited to activities ranging from day-to-day research to exhibitions and conferences.

Each component was developed to minimise embodied carbon while maximising future adaptability and reuse. The timber frame, insulated panels, cladding, windows and doors were prefabricated to reduce waste, improve quality and accelerate construction. Lightweight components also enabled the use of ground screw foundations, further reducing the project’s environmental impact. Extensive use of reversible fixings ensures the building can be readily maintained, adapted and disassembled, extending the life of both the structure and materials.