Concept Drawings for a new National Park Centre at Acle bridge on the Norfolk Broads have been prepared by the practice. The scheme develops the idea of the building acting as a sound barrier against the heavy traffic on the main road as it crosses the Acle bridge, as well as a ‘marker’ for the river boats.

The simple steep roof extends into a tall keel at the ridge acting as a ‘spine’. Covered in white timber cladding and black rubber it makes subtle reference to the working mill buildings of the broads. The simple strong shapes and open glazing, provide great views over the river. A Camera-obscura with mirrors set within a tower at one end projects an image of the flat reeded landscape on to a table within. The tower acts as a destination point across the fens.

The first floor café can be subdivided by sliding screens to form the education space. Interpretation areas can be reached from the river bank and directly from the embankment of the road via a draw bridge, pulled up at night for security. Less flood sensitive functional areas are placed on the ground floor.