The brief for the Parthenon laboratory asked for an uninviting outlook for the elevation. Visitors were to be discouraged because of the proposed research.
The client was enthusiastic about the nearly semi-circular shape and the local stone cladding.
The laboratory is located at the rear away from the front of the site which faces a dusty road. Air filtration and air conditioning is located at roof level. Three recesses, one of which acts as a covered entrance, provide natural light to the offices at the front. These provide ample light for the offices and the circulation area.