Brandon, Main

Project: Brandon Visitor Centre

Client: Suffolk County Council

Contract Value: £235,000





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This project involved extending the existing visitor centre at Brandon Country Park in Thetford Forest to provide a tearoom, kitchen, new entrance and enlarged exhibition area with a re-modelled reception. The new extension is circular in plan with a faceted pyramid roof, designed to complement but not replicate the original design.

Other parts of the existing building were refurbished with a new meeting room created on a mezzanine level. An outdoor sitting area allows visitors to enjoy refreshments, with views overlooking the forest and adjacent walled garden.

In the interest of sustainability, timber frame construction has been used throughout, with exposed glue laminated timber rafters and structural decking providing the main structure for the open vaulted roof. Walls are clad in a combination of western red cedar boarding and render, while the roof is covered in a single ply membrane with standing seams.