Our vision for the Sevenoaks “Jeffery Harrison Wellbeing Centre” is a simple, functional building cut into the landscape, a building which will over time become part of the natural setting of this “man made” place. Encouraging growth of natural species and using materials from the site in the construction.

We have started with the premise that the flora and fauna of the lake and woodland are the “star of the show”, from Glow-worms to Crested Grebes, with over 2000 species to observe and record, this building must be an interpretation tool, an interactive series of spaces that animate and add to the learning opportunities on the SSSI. We believe that the new centre can be a draw for Kent schools, with forest learning, bird watching and nature trails, learners of all ages can come here. The holistic approach of the centre team to well-being, mental and physical health as part of a process of learning from and in this landscape/natural setting is critical to blurring the boundaries between the Naturalist’s scientific study, and the visitors spirituality.

We have set out to make a building that will challenge the user to observe and interact with nature in ways they haven’t before. The entrance foyer is a carved out slot in the tessellated timber façade which sweeps across from the west lake to the car park and allows visitors to climb up to the treetops.

This is not just an interior building, but each surface is part of the landscape allowing access to views and perspectives not seen before. Up here among the canopy are two hooded hides made of Willow from the site, spectacular in scale and creating a space with views across to the north of the lake and SSSI for both well being study/classes and meditation as well as observing wildlife.

The ground floor entrance from footpath and car park. leads to a series of internal exhibition spaces, for new display as well as existing taxidermy which we believe has a place in modern museums and education.

A central Studio room and a large café to the north west are set 4m above the water, linked together, and command a view across the lake. Double height, this space creates a simple café/food offer for all and allows visitors to contemplate the lake at any time of day. This café space also has a terrace with a north south orientation for sun, and is hidden from the lake so as not to scare wildlife.

To the upper level via a ramp up 4m where a well being centre contains both treatment spaces, and a yoga space. A lift will not be required. Beyond this is the lecture theatre, but this space is not a “blank box”, instead the backdrop of the lake is made more legible by relayed live images from hi spec cameras hidden around the habitat feeding images of nesting birds, insects and other life at 10x real life scale.

These are projected onto a screen above the huge window onto the lake, shrouded by the wicker hides above. The guide, or ranger, presenting addresses the audience from a space set 1.5m below water level with a glazed screen at reed bed level allowing visitors to glimpse the habitat at close quarters regardless of weather! On leaving this space the visitor is guided back through the gift shop and to the exhibition spaces.

The physical built form will utilise rammed earth, in-situ masonry and cross laminated timber structure to create two 80 long arms of an X which cross to form a series of interlocking spaces. The staff spaces, offices, workshop, garage and staff room are centred on the energy centre.

We will use solar and mini Hydro from the River Darrant to supply a proportion of the energy needs of the site) The staff spaces link into the upper levels and have their own entrance. Finally the whole building can be closed down and locked off at night, including gates to the ramped gardens.