We were shortlisted from 250 entries to one of four practices to develop proposals for a new nature and wellbeing centre for Kent Wildlife Trust. It was a privilege to work on this engaging and prestigious brief.

The starting point for our proposals was the site itself. A response to the location and its inherent sense of place. Whilst at first glance the presence of water, trees and wildlife are an attractive union, the site’s history and previous use as a gravel workings add to the landscapes intrigue.

Our proposals are seated in admiration for an honest architecture which is respectful to context and the human condition. The proposals are separated into two distinct forms; a gateway building [The Hut] which acts as a landmark for the site, and secondly a discreet bird hide-style pavilion [The Hide] sited on the footprint of the existing visitor centre.The two volumes are distinct yet complimentary in their language, structure and materiality. The buildings display their own identity, which owes to their own functionality, operation and experiential quality.

The buildings are honest in their structural and material integrity, creating an understanding of how they are constructed and a legible construction without need for decoration or needless elaboration.

Good buildings, creative clients and pioneering briefs are a great way to realise a wide ambition such as this Nature and Wellbeing centre. We strongly believe that good architecture, wellbeing and nature should align harmoniously creating links between the human experience and world around us.