LDDC funds `eco-station’ landmark building

London’s first “eco-station” – a ú500 000 project funded by the London Docklands Development Corporation – will feature a landmark building designed by architectural practice de Rijke, Morgan & Marsh.

The practice won an unpaid competition against eight other architects. The eco-station will be based at Bow Creek Ecology Park in London Docklands, and the building will be wedge-shaped, “like a giant piece of cheese which has been hollowed out by mice”, according to Alex de Rijke, partner in the practice. The grass-covered roof will rise to 12m high and the station will provide a classroom and exhibition space. De Rijke, Morgan & Marsh worked with eco-consultant Jerome Partington to create a building concept made almost entirely from recycled materials. “All the timber, steel and concrete has been recycled, and we used compressed orange juice cartons for wall-linings and furniture,” adds de Rijke. The eco-station is planned to be finished by spring 1996.