Living laboratory

2025

Arxellence 3

SLOI ARCHITECTS

Location

Area

Parameters

Year

Client

General Designer

Classification

Research Facility / Public building

12 000 m²

Greece, Gyaros island

Living laboratory for developing biodiversity strategies

Stage 1

We contacted several practising biologists and gathered information about the equipment needed to conduct research that meets modern scientific requirements. In addition, we outlined rules for the construction and operation of the facility without the risk of disturbing the reserve’s wildlife.

Stage 2

Working alongside an environmental specialist, we calculated the building’s engineering resource requirements and identified the optimal placement for solar panels, wind turbines, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Stage 3

We consolidated all calculations and research findings into a clear and comprehensive technical brief for the architectural team.

Stage 4

The architectural bureau prepared the project presentation in accordance with the competition requirements. During this phase, we served as an additional review layer, ensuring the accuracy of all materials and eliminating factual errors.

Because the project required a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, our team organised the work into several structured stages:

Implementation

Develop a design concept for a modern scientific center that incorporates high-quality public spaces;
Address all construction and operational constraints associated with the facility’s location within a protected natural reserve;
Offer modern technological solutions that enable environmentally responsible operation while fully preserving the comfort and functionality required for research laboratories.

Tasks

Fully functional science and public facility that will take into consideration a variety of factors (e.g., water resources management, green energy issues, agri-food actions, biodiversity policies and strategies, ecosystem services, etc.), through an interlinked nexus approach, following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Request

Regulatory framework of the EU, including European Green Deal, EU biodiversity strategy for 2030.

Internal competition requirements

Standards

Illustration

Results

Thanks to a systematic approach, it was possible to create a truly comprehensive concept, not only from an architectural perspective, but also in terms of practical functionality for scientific work.
Every key decision was supported by multiple calculations and scientific articles. This solid analytical foundation enabled the architects to go beyond a ‘pretty picture’ and to feel fully confident in the technical and operational viability of the project.