New Marine Conservation Hub for the North East coastline.

A sustainable, site-sensitive National Trust centre with multi-use spaces, bird ringing workshop and WCs. Built using low carbon and recycled materials to aspirational fabric standards and incorporating demand control ventilation, reversible heat pumps, PV's, a green roof and point-of-use hot water heating.

Perched on the scenic cliffs of Whitburn near Sunderland, beside the Grade II listed Souter Lighthouse (the world's first powered by electricity). The new Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre is a striking addition to the coastline. Developed by the National Trust with the Seascapes marine landscape scheme, it serves as a hub for nature conservation, education, and community engagement. Its purpose-built facilities include an exhibition space, bird ringing and coastal activity workshops, multi-use education and event spaces, and WCs—all designed to connect people with the coast and promote its conservation.

Piloting the National Trust's sustainability matrix and earning an EPC A-rating of 12. It won the 2025 RIBA North East Award for its sensitive, sustainable design. Eco-friendly materials such as cross-laminated timber and recycled plastic tiles contribute to a low-impact construction. Skelly & Couch delivered the full M&E services, addressing both sustainability and the challenges of the exposed coastal setting and intermittent use.Piloting the National Trust's sustainability matrix and earning an EPC A-rating of 12. It won the 2025 RIBA North East Award for its sensitive, sustainable design. Eco-friendly materials such as cross-laminated timber and recycled plastic tiles contribute to a low-impact construction. Skelly & Couch delivered the full M&E services, addressing both sustainability and the challenges of the exposed coastal setting and intermittent use.

A high-performance fabric and airtight design actively regulate indoor temperatures, delivering consistent comfort for visitors all year round. A high-performance fabric and airtight design actively regulate indoor temperatures, delivering consistent comfort for visitors all year round. Sunlight pours through large solar-controlled glazing, reducing the need for electric lighting and offering panoramic coastal views. In addition, a green roof supports wildlife, provides passive cooling, and blends the building into its surroundings.

Reversible air-source heat pumps and a zoned MVHR system maintain a stable internal atmosphere and deliver fresh, filtered air only when needed. Photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, and point-of-use water heating further minimise energy use, while smart metering ensures optimal long-term performance.Reversible air-source heat pumps and a zoned MVHR system maintain a stable internal atmosphere and deliver fresh, filtered air only when needed. Photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, and point-of-use water heating further minimise energy use, while smart metering ensures optimal long-term performance.

As a sustainable model for the future, the centre demonstrates how considerate design can engage communities, protect landscapes and set new standards for environmental responsibility.

Awards

2024 - CENE Awards

2024 - ICE North East Awards Highly Commended

2025 - RIBA North East Award Winner