Architype won a competition to design a new visitor complex for the Sherwood Pines Forest Park, the largest area of woodland open to the public in the East Midlands, which is being developed as a centre of excellence for recreational pursuits.

The design celebrates the most striking feature of the site – the magnificent pine trees, through the dynamic use of timber. A sense of tree branches stretching out into the landscape is reflected through a series of horizontal pavilions radiating from a central arrival space.

Each building is given a distinct identity by using different materials in their wall construction:

• Rammed earth for the restaurant

• Glass for the information pavilion

• Metal for the cycle centre

Roof canopies float above the columns, creating a spectacular contrast with the verticality of the forest pines. Internal spaces and external covered areas are defined by crafted walls.