Langley Vale Visitor Centre

Surrey, UK

A new build visitor centre for the Woodland Trust in the Epsom Downs, Surrey.

The building draws inspiration from the great medieval barns and typical agricultural buildings located in the area. A perfectly square plan rests on an elevated podium overlooking the wood. An oversized pitched roof provides shelter from the elements whilst the centralised roof light helps illuminate the main space.

Externally, the building is clad entirely in charred larch to give the building a uniform appearance. Internally, stained concrete floors and timber linings are proposed throughout. The large sliding doors secure the building during hours of closure. 

The everyday material palette and simplistic detailing ensures the building can be constructed from locally sourced materials with the use of local labour. The honesty and tactile quality of the chosen materials ensures the building has meaningful connection with the landscape and local architectural heritage.