Sevenoaks Nature Reserve and Landscape

Sevenoaks Nature Reserve is an extraordinary ‘wild’ place, where, despite proximity to the town, sky and water are framed by thick woodland. This competition proposal aims to heighten the sense of connection between built space and nature

Working with the ‘grain of existing trees and contours, a sequence of new planted and built clearings lead from the site entrance to gradually reveal expansive views of the water. A ‘podium’ formed from existing site contours, becomes the site for a visitor centre with a planted courtyard at its heart, A series of interior spaces look out across the lake from windows set deep into the reveal of a thick external wall, whilst birds passing overhead are glimpsed through large occuli in the roof.

Cafe View7 WR
courtyard entrance final
Sevenoaks Rainwater sketch
  1. Client: Sevenoaks Nature Reserve
  2. Architect: Adams & Sutherland
  3. Completed: 2017
  4. Stage: Competition entry
  5. Related projects: Tottenham Green, Olympic Greenway, Will Adams Centre