The Wilds Ecology Centre Amenity Spaces
Rhino Office Interiors worked diligently to create a functional and dynamic amenity space for guests while honoring the natural and environmental surroundings at The Wilds Ecology Centre in London.
As part of the Barking Riverside multi-use regeneration project, The Wilds Ecology Centre is designed to create a very strong visual impact architecturally, It’s the main community centre within a housing area, with the primary users from Participatory City, University of East London (UEL) and ENVAC.
Barking Riverside selected Rhino from a tender process to transform the interior shell of this iconic building into a post-covid multi-use space. The building is rated BREEAM excellent, therefore careful consideration had to be in place when selecting furnishings that would keep the sustainability theme of the space.
Rhino’s initial proposal stood out thanks to the carefully-crafted space-planning and unique design and furniture selection. The proposal revolved around a centrally-located café, featuring biophilia (to resonate with the ecology setting) and lots of flexible furniture pieces constructed from recycled and sustainable materials. The furniture-only brief quickly developed to include M&E to the café and AV works for projectors and speakers in the exhibition space.
Upstairs, our furniture proposal extended to the terrace where durable bench seating was provided with a colour scheme that complimented the striking external façade. Fabric and finishes selection was key on this project, with a carefully-curated palette that worked in harmony with the setting.
A dynamic community hub has been crafted and created which offers flexible, multi-use space for many people to enjoy and thrive in – while bearing sustainable credentials and accolades that support, preserve and embrace the surrounding natural environment for generations to come.
Design: Rhino Office Interiors
Photography: courtesy of Rhino Office Interiors
