TYPE: RIBA COMPETITION

STATUS: DESIGN

ROLE: LEAD ARCHITECT

This RIBA competition design proposal provides a visitor and wellbeing centre which fits with the surrounding wildlife reserve in Sevenoaks with a long-term vision connecting old and new activities to enhance the visitor experience. The design proposal aims to provide an engaging and friendly environment which encourages self-improvement, participation in events and promoting health & wellbeing education.

The three main key areas of the centre are:

• ‘Spine’ - a covered walkway to guide visitors to the important parts of the building.
• ‘Hide’ - enveloped structures inspired by bird hides containing flexible spaces and zones.
• ‘Beaver dam’ - making the lake become part of the centre by creating a wading pool allowing visitors to to be closer to local wildlife.

The building will consist of living grass roofs to reduce surface water run off with retro fitted photovoltaics and solar thermal collectors to provide heating and electricity. Planting is encouraged to grow up the walls and roof providing natural habitat and nestling the building into the site. Earth warmed natural ventilation is introduced through clay pipes built under the building and discharged through the roof lights. Thick walls provide a stable thermal environment reducing cooling and heating costs.