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James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects
This visitor centre in Redbridge, England, by UK firm Sarah Wigglesworth Architects features a zig-zag roof with oversailing wooden trusses.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-02.jpg)
Situated in the heart of Ray Park, The James Leal Centre becomes a gateway to the Roding Valley and contains leisure and education facilities.
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The north-facing sides of the roof have a shallow pitch and are covered in solar thermal collectors, while the south-facing sides are steeper and admit indirect natural light.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-06.jpg)
A translucent canopy covers a forecourt to the west, which can also be used as an outdoor gallery.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-04.jpg)
Photos are by Mark Hadden.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-07.jpg)
Here's a bit more from the architect:
Ray Park Visitor Centre, Redbridge, London
2006 - 2009, £1.2 million
Located on elevated ground on the site of the former 18thC Ray House, this new sustainable building acts as a gateway to the Roding Valley Corridor, providing recreation and leisure facilities.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-03.jpg)
The flexible open plan space contains a café, exhibition, internet and toilet facilities, a teaching/training space and the Greenspace Team’s office.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-05.jpg)
An external translucent canopy defines a large forecourt to the west that acts as a gathering zone and outdoor exhibition area with cycle and disabled parking facilities.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-08.jpg)
The cafe extends south over a new terrace adjacent to raised planting beds which grow edible plants for use in the café.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-09.jpg)
The brief for a sustainable building is reflected in the roof form. Multiple pitches support solar thermal collectors on shallow south faces while steeper north faces allow good roof light.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-10.jpg)
The design includes passive earth tube cooling and a biomass boiler.
![James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects James Leal Centre by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/08/dzn_James-Leal-Centre-by-Sarah-Hadden-11.jpg)
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See also:
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