The proposed new National Wildflower Centre (in collaboration with Buro Happold) is intended to be an inspirational statement that reflects the modernity and forward thinking ethos of creative conservation, highlighting links between nature and scientific theory. It eschews the rustic, pastoral image of nature conservation to focus on a more urban, science-based perspective and is intended to be one of the first buildings in the UK to be certified as BREEAM ‘Outstanding’.

The new centre will create a modern flexible visitor/educational/conference facility in a wildflower landscaped walled garden that will change people’s perceptions of the conservation movement. It will provide a more holistic experience by integrating learning, operational and sustainability functions under one roof.

Our proposal represents a clear segregation of the public and operational areas but establishes a new synergy between visitors and staff. The public facilities are housed in one large building which nestles into the north-west corner of the garden to exploit orientation and available sunlight. The operational areas are dispersed into five distinct ‘sheds’ set within a defined compound. Their variegated forms provide a dramatic contrast to the formality of the enclosed walled garden.

The production of energy from bio waste is a key aspect of the proposed strategy for the project. The biogas would be used as fuel to power a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant. Any surplus power would be exported to the national grid and waste heat from the plant directed to a large capacity thermal store that would be used for heating the building.