The Discovery Centre at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has been among 14 buildings shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South East Award 2026.
Edinburgh based architects Simpson and Brown were commissioned by the Sussex Wildlife Trust to design the building on a narrow site between the river Rother and the nature reserve path, and with the added challenge that it was to be built on saltmarsh and shingle ridges that occasionally flood.
The aim of the Discovery Centre is to help visitors understand the ecology, wildlife and history of the reserve, which is popular with walkers and birdwatchers and the brief for the architects was to include a shop, café, exhibition space, workspaces for staff and volunteers, and facilities for school groups.
To fit into the landscape, the architects designed a sweet chestnut clad, long and low building raised above the marsh, with large windows in the cafe to frame the spectacular views across the saltmarsh towards Fairlight.
Stuart Allan, architect for Simpson and Brown, says that they were thrilled to be involved in the project and work with the Sussex Wildlife Trust. “The nature reserve at Rye Harbour is such an amazing site. It is wonderful to see the Trust’s vision being recognised in this way by the RIBA. The building was designed to fit within a very sensitive landscape and is shaped by its location next to the river Rother, the views towards the nature reserve, the risk of flood and the requirement to be accessible for all. The building has proved to be very popular with the community and all those that enjoy the nature reserve. The building is as ‘low impact’ as possible being constructed using locally sourced timber and utilising solar and heat pump technologies.”
The SWT are excited that the Discovery Centre has been nominated. Gesine Garz, head of Rye Harbour Discovery Centre said, “We’re so proud of the Discovery Centre and our brilliant staff and volunteer team, who welcome many thousands of people through the doors to eat, drink, learn and watch wildlife. The design of the building has helped make it a true nature hub, inspiring visitors to discover the wonderful wildlife of Rye Harbour.”
All of the shortlisted projects will be visited by a regional jury with the winner announced later in the spring.
The winners will then be considered for several RIBA South East Special Awards, including the RIBA South East Sustainability Award and RIBA South East Building of the Year, before being considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award, which will be announced in summer.
The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize – the UK’s best new building – will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects and announced in September. The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.
Image Credits: Stuart Conway , Kt bruce , Simpson & Brown/Barry Yates , Sussex Wildlife Trust/Gesine Garz , Simpson & Brown , Simpson & Brown/Lowenstein , Simpson & Brown/Lowenstien , KT Bruce .