CLEARING

A new Nature and Wellbeing Centre at the heart of the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve forms a circular clearing in the surrounding woodland that provides a gathering and orientation point for visitors. It’s simple continual geometry links and unifies all aspects of the centre in a single collective gesture that maximises connections through the trees to its spectacular lakeside setting.

ᗐ

The circular form defines an arrival and orientation point from multiple directions, by local rail, car or long-distance footpath, connecting all the centre’s operations under one roof such that each component can operate individually or as part of

The circular form defines an arrival and orientation point from multiple directions, by local rail, car or long-distance footpath, connecting all the centre’s operations under one roof such that each component can operate individually or as part of the whole, with a continuous, mutable exhibition route, part internal, part external, threaded around the loop. It is a consolidated node from which all the wildlife paths radiate and loop – a true centre for the reserve.

008_SiteDiagram.jpg
The key elements of the centre’s program are housed in ‘hides’ that project out through the trees to overlook the reserve’s two main lakes, whilst minimising the presence and impact of the building on the birds’ habitat. Visitor activity is held wit

The key elements of the centre’s program are housed in ‘hides’ that project out through the trees to overlook the reserve’s two main lakes, whilst minimising the presence and impact of the building on the birds’ habitat. Visitor activity is held within the elemental form, which acts as a filter to the pristine nature of the reserve beyond.

Primary spaces are carefully clustered in such a way that the centre can operate with a minimal staff presence. Studio and cafe ‘hides’ are orientated to the north to maximise the quality of views, whilst avoiding glare. Southern clerestories flood these spaces with light and announce their presence within the circle.

008_SVC_PROPOSAL_FINAL_Trees-1.jpg
7OAKS CAFE POST copy.jpg
7OAKSSTUDIO POST copy.jpg
Treatment rooms are positioned over the west lake, capturing indirect light reflected from the water below to enhance the meditative quality of these intimate spaces.  

Treatment rooms are positioned over the west lake, capturing indirect light reflected from the water below to enhance the meditative quality of these intimate spaces.

 

7oaks overview 2.jpg
Materials and detailing bond together the new and old elements of the complex. The barn-like structure of the new cookery school exploit the spectacular views and evening sunlight across the rural valley to the west with a crisp fully glazed wall, w
This substantial house addition stretches out from the pitches of the original arts and crafts style building, folding and stepping down into the steep surrounding site. Its fold’s open fissures that highlight views around its interlocking rooms. Oc
04 VIEW APPRAOCH clean.jpg
This installation for part of the London Design Festival achieved a big impact with a minimum of means. The 70x7m grid system holds a pixelated array of panels, which are orientated to reflect or provide glimpses of the foliage beyond, merging the a
The circular form defines an arrival and orientation point from multiple directions, by local rail, car or long-distance footpath, connecting all the centre’s operations under one roof such that each component can operate individually or as part of
The building’s plan and roof forms are a direct response to its tight site, setting it back from the surrounding trees and gardens, and pitching to minimise its volume. Built to an extremely tight budget, its main entrance is sculpted and cantilever
SS P1000432.jpg
 The form of the centre embraces the park as the landscape rises to meet with the building. The plan inflects to create a sheltered external space that acts as a transitional zone between the centre and the park. The building’s circulation is c
A low turf roofed stone-faced building abuts a cross-laminated timber two-storey construction with a sculpted roof form that folds down to respect to the existing buildings and a ridge point defined by a cart shed beyond, housing the plant. The farm
el1.jpg
Inclined floor planes unsettle and embrace visitors, leaning out to the seemingly fragile edges of the structure. This instability aims to promote a heightened engagement with its spaces that is entirely open, free and non-prescriptive. It is a pl
elevation ed.jpg
London’s parks have traditionally defined their identity and territory through their own ornate bespoke ironwork. The role of these formal park gates has been equally representational and functional. They act as individual spatial markers within the
The Marriott Portsmouth hotel required extensive updating and remodelling to revitalise its appearance and operation while improving its thermal and acoustic performance. Taking advantage of a highly visible position on the main route into the city

MANIFEST

to make clear or evident to the eye or understanding