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Project: Regeneration of the Visitor Centre
Client: Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Project: Regeneration of the Visitor Centre
Role: Client's Representative / Project Manager
The fast-track, 8 month regeneration of the Visitor Centre means that there is now a new gateway to Durrell which reflects a whole new visitor experience.
Following the demolition process, over 70% of the materials were then recycled with the roof and wall timbers being encompassed within the new Bat enclosure. In line with Durrell's sustainability targets, sunpipes to allow natural light and monodraught wind catchers to assist with natural ventilation have been incorporated and despite the increase in size of the new facility, the energy consumption within the building will not increase. The major light fittings, plastic chairs and tables are all sculpted from recycled materials, including CD's.
The remodelled facility will comprise a vastly improved retail area, Café Firefly which will seat 140 people and a garden centre.
The main feature of the new centre is a granite wall with the different colours being designed to reflect an earth wall. Its dry stone dyke style construction is sympathetic to its natural surroundings with the wall running continuously from the car park, through the building and finishing outside in the park.
The Durrell experience will now begin as soon as visitors arrive with the Trust's philosophy on conservation being messaged on story boards along the walkway from the car park to the entrance as well as verbal communication through strategically placed outside speakers. Designed by Kate Denton, the original bronze of Gina the Orangutan will greet visitors as they approach the Visitor Centre.
Rowney Sharman has managed both the internal team at Durrell and the external supply chain both for construction and fit-out to achieve a high quality new facility within a very short timescale. The new building was officially opened by HRH, The Princess Royal, Patron of Durrell.
