Chilterns Gateway Visitor Centre - Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire

Set on the chalk downlands of Dunstable Downs with outstanding views over the Vale of Aylesbury and Chiltern Ridge. This new resource centre is imaginatively set into the landscape. The Chilterns Gateway project aims to conserve the SSSI chalk downland of Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs through the relocation of visitor facilities and improved management of the site. The downs are home to a wide variety of wildlife; many rare wild flowers, including the Bee Orchid and different butterfly species such as the Marbled White and the Chalkhill Blue.

Designations
Dunstable DownsArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Dunstable & Whipsnade Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest
Adjacent designations:  Kensworth Chalk Pit SSSI
Home to rare flowers- Bee Orchid & butterflies such as Marbled White and Chalkhill Blue

Awards
Sustainable Building of the Year 2007 Runner Up

Client:     Bedfordshire County Council & The National Trust
Architect:    Architype