Grizedale Sculpture Park was established in the 1960s at the site of the old Grizedale Hall and quickly established an international reputation for the emergence of the Environmental Art movement with artists such as Richard Long and Andy Goldsworthy working within the forest. In March 2002 the Forestry Commission organised an invited competition to submit proposals for a purpose built Resource Centre as the first phase in the upgrading and reorganisation of the existing facilities at the site of the old Grizedale Hall, Cumbria. The building will provide new facilities for schools, community groups and other organisations and The Forestry Commission aim to encourage a range of creative projects and programmes including ones involving the environment and conservation, physical and mental well-being, team working, and art based activities. An existing stone building was identified as a suitable base for the resource centre, the accommodation provided a series of small spaces around a secluded courtyard with good links to car and coach parking, and adjacent to trails through the forest. The proposal utilises the existing building for all the support spaces and places a new structure for the main classroom on the southern flank of the existing building. A large timber truss spans the full width of the space, to support the roof trusses and thus ensure that the spectacular views down the valley are not obstructed. The building is constructed from a number of different timbers, using each one to best effect: • The main structure of the building is comprised of home grown Douglas Fir, a timber with excellent structural properties. • Oak has been used for the window frames, internal joinery and floor finishes, where its durability and beautiful grain can be exploited to maximum effect. • Cedar has been used for the roof covering and the external cladding where its ability to resist water penetration is best exploited. Wood chippings will be used to heat the building, with a new wood-fuel boiler located adjacent to the walled garden to serve the overall development– a carbon neutral and wholly sustainable solution to heating the entire centre.