Acle, Norfolk 2018

The proposed visitor and education centre was developed in response to the Broads Authority’s ambition to commission and build an outstanding visitor centre for its site at Acle Bridge, located in the Norfolk Broads.

The proposal, inspired by the overlapping of sails which dock along the River Bure, seeks to provide a new community hub for the town of Acle.
 
A programme of flexible spaces are dispersed around a central courtyard, anchored by a café and gallery space. Educational spaces unfold along the river, offering visitors, local residents and schoolchildren the opportunity to learn  and engage with the history of the area and the values of the Broads Authority.

A partially covered entrance anchors the project to its surroundings, teasing the visitors with a glimpse of the impressive Norfolk Broads and tempting visitors to progress into the heart of the site towards a timber boardwalk that extends along the expanse of the site, encouraging visitors to interact with the River Bure and respect its authority.

A carefully selected material palette provides both a contemporary portrayal of the Norfolk Vernacular and a sensitive yet playful response to the surroundings.