Following an RIBA competition win, Adam Khan Architects were appointed as architects and lead consultants for the new visitor centre and the master-planning of the 67-hectare nature reserve. The buildings and open spaces form a village-like cluster, floating on a large pontoon. As well as giving unlimited flood protection, this brings the visitor into the magical territory amongst the reeds at the water’s edge. The project is zero-carbon, and has achieved the new and highest rating of sustainability - BREAAM ‘Outstanding’. The sense of excitement generated by the building amongst visitors and staff alike is palpable. But the buildings have a deep sense of pleasure, based on simplicity, and on tactile and sensory delight which will foster stronger attachments over time, whilst the adaptability of the architecture will allow future generations to use the spaces in unforeseen ways. The centre is therefore highly sustainable, not just in the immediate measures of energy and performance but in the capacity of users to love and therefore to cherish the buildings and spaces.