The Welsh Peatlands Visitor Centre project began as a competition proposal for a new community teaching space set within the unique and fragile peatland landscapes of Wales. Our aim was to design a building that feels rooted in its environment—somewhere that could welcome school groups, local communities, and researchers, while quietly supporting the ongoing work of understanding and protecting these rare habitats.
The design is shaped by the landscape itself. Low-impact timber construction, fabricated off-site, minimises disturbance to the ground, while organic, locally sourced materials help the building sit comfortably within its surroundings. The structure is lightweight, demountable, and low-carbon, reflecting the project’s focus on restoration and ecological care.
Inside, flexible teaching areas and sheltered outdoor zones create an inviting base for learning—whether that’s hands-on workshops, field studies, or storytelling sessions with community groups. A small research workspace allows conservation teams to work on site, turning the building into a bridge between science, education, and everyday engagement with the land.
Above all, the proposal celebrates the peatlands themselves: a place for gaining knowledge, fostering stewardship, and deepening the relationship between people and landscape. It’s a space designed to help communities understand why these environments matter—and how to look after them for the future.
