Architecture Striking the First Note
Mike Worthington
May 2026
On Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the opening ceremony of the R A Bartlett Research Laboratory and Arboretum. It is always rewarding to see the completion of projects you commenced years ago.
Having left the project after planning was secured when I left Snug to start People Architects, credit must go to Ryan Bond as project architect who continued to lead the design team with Ben Chainey and have delivered an excellent building.
The project is foremost an Arboretum for a client who is passionate about trees and expert in arboricultural scientific research. Working with Harris Bugg Studio at the outset, the arboretum layout was masterplanned from the historic woodland corner to embody the client’s scientific approach to tree research.
Whilst the building was officially opened yesterday, it is the landscape that will play lead violin in the 100 year site symphony. The architecture perhaps sounded the first note in this new piece of music heralding what is to come. Recognising that the building would play a subservient role as the landscape develops around it was key to its placement and architectural design.
The building itself exudes timber everywhere. Not in an uncoordinated sauna vibe, but in a restrained, and very cool collection of textures, colours, and architectural timbers all pointing to a client’s obsession. This is architecture that is communicating the client, a calm embodiment of Bartlett’s passion.
Well done to the consultant and contracting team who have delivered a very fine result.
A huge credit though should go to Jon Banks who helmed the project from the client side with a steady, capable and calm hand. Jon’s input maintained clarity about what was important and saw how the building could deliver something beyond accommodation getting in the way of trees!
The abused existing woodland is now restored, a ceremonial Elm tree has been planted (Bartlett’s tree emblem), alongside many trees already in the ground show a client who will be a custodian of the site.
It was a great pleasure to be part of a project that will continue to evolve in capable and enthusiastic hands!