Natural History Museum

It was our responsibility to ensure that this old and fragile treasure remains perfectly preserved and free of atmospheric contamination.

The pull out drawers have gas sprung acrylic lids and rubber seals. They open automatically and soft close. Each is different.

Full scale prototyping was needed to work out exactly the closing mechanism and force required. The unit itself is housed in the museum’s Cocoon building.

The framework is laminated ash following the curved architecture of the Cocoon. Steel hawsers and ceiling mounted ash braces maintain the stability.

These details have become an architectural feature themselves. The public can’t enter the room. But there is a viewing port. You may see Hans Sloane’s portrait, which moves along a steel track, watching over the room.

We hope he is happy with the way this irreplaceable archive is being kept for future generations.