Located near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, with Feilden & Mawson Architects – Design ID provided full Structural & Civil Engineering Design Services to inform the RIBA Competition submission.
Great Fen is located 8 miles south-east of Peterborough in the fenlands of Cambridgeshire. The fenland habitat restoration project at Great Fen, is one of the largest restoration projects in the country, and aims to create a 3,700 hectare wetland connecting Woodwalton Fen National Nature Reserve with Holme Fen National Nature Reserve.
The design of the Visitor Centre focused on the building’s role within the landscape. Informed by local heritage, the building is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional fen settlement. As they approach the Centre on an adventure boardwalk, visitors can enjoy the wildlife. This boardwalk is punctuated by architectural ‘incidents’, or resting places, which encourage visitors to become close to the surrounding environment.
The building is a striking starting point to explore the Great Fen, affording views across the rehabilitated landscape. The Centre is to be built with local materials and by local craftsmen.
Feilden+Mawson were shortlisted to the final three designers.
Architect: Feilden + Mawson
