The Layered Lab is a cutting-edge mass timber architecture living laboratory, designed with a unique hybrid steel-MET construction system. Deliberately positioned in an open field that does not receive shadows from adjacent buildings throughout the year at The Lawn, Kent Vale, the 3-storey building is designed as a partial structural prototype of a larger 24 m × 54 m, 6-storey building. As it is a prototype structure designed for temporal construction, service spaces (kitchens, sanitary, lifts, etc) are not required, with the main programmatic focus comprising meeting rooms, an office that allows for indoor environmental testing, as well as a facade testing lab. All spaces are configured with an open floor plan to allow for flexible programming, with indoor spaces being hybrid-cooled alongside having the option to be naturally ventilated.         

 

From the outset, the prototype was conceived to express the sublime dual aesthetics of evenly- and non-weathered mass engineered timber. To achieve the intended 'floating layers of stone' concept, the unique abilities of steel to allow for both short and long cantilevers were leveraged upon as an architectural strategy to differentiate between an external skin designed for full weathering vis-à-vis internal spaces not designed for weathering. A 1.8 m buffer space catering for both common circulation on the floor finish plane and main M&E routing on the ceiling plane was thus offset from the main programme spaces, acting not only as a deep overhang that provides for better indoor thermal comfort, but also allows for the internal spaces with fully exposed, non-weathered MET to contribute towards better user well-being. In addition, all portions comprising MET have been intentionally left exposed, an essential strategy that allows for easier inspection and mitigates termite infestations. Internal spaces have also been designed to integrate M&E systems such as AC ducts, light fixtures and fans, creating better indoor spatial qualities and enhanced by the exposed MET ceiling slabs.