East were shortlisted to design a visitor Centre for Essex Wildlife Trust. The extraordinary site for this facility is in Mucking, a marshy place east of London where the Thames becomes wide and the sea seems near. Adjacent to DP World’s new port, some of the largest ships in the world turn around, adding to the spectacle.

East designed the centre to offer intimacy and shelter, alongside the celebration of the grandiose and epic scale of this river terrain. Because of its remote location, the building is zero energy, and self-sufficient in its water consumption.

Location: Mucking, Havering

Client: Essex Wildlife Trust Project

Project status: Prize winner