The strategic vision for the new Sevenoaks Nature & Wellbeing Visitors Centre is driven by the formation of an ensemble of five pavilion buildings connected by meandering walkways that will provide not only an exciting range of new facilities and activities for visitors and staff, but also collectively act as a true gateway, setting visitors off on their onward journey to explore the reserve. The five multi-purpose pavilions are designed to be sympathetic to their surroundings whilst also providing a renewed sense of joy, celebration and arrival. Engagement with the Site The five pavilions sit nestled within the landscape and are arranged to maximise opportunities for views across the landscape. Covered walkways connect the pavilions with the wider walking routes, offering an immersive experience in which visitors may enjoy a wide variety of facilities whilst also remaining continuously engaged with the wider landscape. The main entrance pavilion forms a point of arrival from the car park, with all visitors passing through the building before continuing on to the other amenities and walking routes beyond. The proposal encourages visitors to learn and explore with visual displays, generous windows and roof lights ensuring a continuous relationship between the interior spaces and the landscape beyond. Treatment and wellness facilities are arranged to maximise the benefit of this unique setting. Management, Maintenance, Security, Accessibility Practical storage areas have been incorporated into the arrangement of all five pavilions. The gift shop and reception have been designed to be managed from a single point, whilst other amenities such as the café and wellness facilities are self-contained to allow an outside company to operate these autonomously if required. All of the buildings sit on a single storey, to ensure step-free access throughout, as well as to minimise their impact upon the reserve. The gently ramped covered walkways allow for visitors with difficulties to enjoy the views and surroundings. Materials and Sustainability The pavilions are to be constructed from locally sourced sustainable timber and be sub-divided into repeating modules which will be prefabricated off site to reduce impact on the immediate environment during construction. The buildings will be highly insulated, naturally lit and ventilated to reduce running costs. The scheme will also utilise sustainable heat source pumps and water recycling.