Langley Vale

A six metre high, folded timber roof hovers over an enclosed public space and defines the entrance to a proposed visitor hub in Langley Vale woods in this competition project

undertaken on behalf of the Woodland Trust.

The roof fans out above the office and other ancillary accommodation as well as two toilet blocks designed as long barns. The roof is supported by slender unplaned timber columns so that, internally, the building becomes an extension of the forest with sunlight streaming in through high level punched windows above rooms designed to resemble campsite tents arranged around a camp fire.  A chimney marks the entrance to the building with names of those who have had trees planted or dedicated to them inscribed in its walls.

The building is carefully positioned to be an integral part of the woodland, fully accessible from the car park and a local memorial and to encapsulate views across the valley.