public
building

A new two storey visitor centre for Battle Abbey and Battlefield. The new centre houses an auditorium and exhibition space with interactive displays. The 60 seater cafe/restaurant is on the ground floor with additional seating on the outdoor terrace. The exhibition describes the history of the Battle of Hastings.
The building is partially cut into the existing ground and curved to follow the contours of the site. It has been designed to blend in with the sensitive historic setting. Local materials were used including oak for the large curved wall.
The structure of the building to ground floor level is of reinforced concrete with steel frames provided above ground to support the roof. It was necessary to provide deep foundations to accommodate the effects of tree roots in dessicated clay soil.

Complete: January 2007
Project Value: £2.6m

2008 LABC Regional Quality Built In Award, Best Commercial Project.

Principal: Nirupa Perera