WOODLAND VISITORS CENTRE

MG Architects recently entered a design competition hosted by the RIBA for a new Woodland Visitor Centre at Langley Vale, Epsom Downs for the Woodland Trust. Langley vale had been a training area for british troops prior to their deployemtn to the western front during world war one.

The project was for the Woodland Trust’s first Visitor Hub and to encourage, welcome and inform visitors, provide a memorable start and end point to their experience of the unique site. Visitors arriving from the parking will be directed through the ancient tree line and approach the entrance. The building presents itself to the visitors as three clearly different volumes and asymmetric roofscapes. Central is the main entrance and reception area which on arrival provides an immediate view through to the new woodland beyond. Under this roof is also the office, kitchen and stores. To the right of the entrance is a low lying, flat roofed block; carved log donor wall and seat faces the visitors.