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Great Fen Visitor Centre

Great Fen

location | The Fens  year | 2012  

Our proposal is a distinctive yet delicate structure that sits lightly in a sensitive landscape. A building made of natural, robust and sustainable materials. A clear entry point opens out into a large flexible, multipurpose space for exhibition, retail and tea room. Sliding glazed screens allow these primary functions to extend onto sheltered terrace areas, when the weather permits. Staff and support spaces have a dedicated, secure and separate access point from the north, with back-of-house storage and utility provision.

The meeting/activity/community space is self-contained but easily accessible and has the capacity to be expanded. Our scheme incorporates ramp access to a rooftop viewpoint which also forms the protective canopy to bicycle hire and all terrain wheelchair storage. The linear shape of the building gently propels the visitor out into the wider landscape as well as offering dramatic views across an ever-changing scene.