This landmark visitor centre for Britain’s largest protected wetland was designed for a sensitive site on the river Bure in The Broads National Park.
The building’s spatial narrative begins with the river. From the footpath and adjacent moorings, the river approach from the west offers enticing views to striking but familiar gabled volumes. From the car park, axial views draw the visitor toward the river and the building’s entrance. Once inside, the focus remains on the river and the café at the river’s edge until the visitor’s experience of the landscape changes with elevation. Rising to the first-floor multi-purpose space, window-views over the landscape are unveiled until finally, emerging onto the viewing terrace, the full splendour of the surrounding landscape is revealed.
The design aims to enhance awareness of this unique landscape while engaging the public in the big sustainability issues: water management, effects of climate change, rising sea levels and the need for a holistic approach to sustainability.