The new, fully accessible Visitors Centre to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust provides a new admissions and membership facility, a café and outdoor terrace, expanded retail, a garden centre, flexible event and function/exhibition space and an outdoor multifunction market space.

Axis Mason were appointed as Architects, Interior Designers and Landscape Architects for the project,  for which Ray Hole Architects had produced a planning scheme.

Multifunctional internal and external spaces have been created, delivering new guest experiences through its ticketing, retail and café environments. The ceiling has been raised and rooflights introduced to the immediate entrance to create a dramatic sense of space and light missing from the previous visitor centre.

The principle feature of the finished building is the striking new granite wall in multi-coloured layers which acts as an orientation device for the approach, entry and exit sequences.  Over the substantial wall sits a delicate glass canopy with a fritted leaf pattern which provides shelter to guests as they approach the entrance and casts dynamic shadows onto the granite wall and path

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As befitting of Durrell’s sustainable ethos the energy usage & sustainability of the building has been a key driver through all aspects of the scheme. From the demolition process where 70% of material was reused elsewhere on site, to key passive ventilation and lighting concepts which ensure ongoing minimal energy usage. This philosophy  informed the whole design and construction process right down to the selection and specification of materials and fixtures and fittings, many of which are made from waste or recycled materials.