The two-storey Long Valley Nature Centre is a gateway to Hong Kong's largest freshwater wetland – Long Valley Nature Park. Comprising the park’s management office, a gallery and a birding hut, the centre’s purpose is to help regenerate the area and encourage visitors to form deep connections with the unique ecological and cultural legacy of Long Valley.
The centre prioritises local and migratory bird conservation. Situated at the edge of the park to minimise disturbance to bird habitats, the building form and material choices are all bird-friendly, featuring specialised fritted glass and recessed windows to prevent collisions, and roof edges with resting areas for birds. Site greenery includes numerous local and nectar-producing plants to attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity.
Given its proximity to the Sheung Yue River, climate resilience is a core design concept, with flood prevention being a key component. A pedestrian bridge across the river is elevated by 2 metres to mitigate danger from rising water levels and ensure safe access during the rainy season. Other sustainable design elements include green building materials – 90% of the centre’s flooring is made from recycled materials, and all wood is certified by FSC. The rooftop holds abundant greenery and solar panels that generate electricity equivalent to 20% of the centre’s annual energy demand. Unique furniture pieces are upcycled from fallen trees and yard waste is transformed into mulch.
The design fully embraces nature. The elevated first-floor gallery opens onto sweeping vistas of the 370,000 sqm park. Sheltered from the sun and cooled by natural breezes, this semi-outdoor area facilitates immersive learning experiences. Strategically-placed skylights illuminate the space and reinforce connections to nature; while separation between active and quiet zones provides employees with expansive views and reduces visitor disturbances to the office areas.
A birding hut, constructed using 100% FSC-certified timber and located in a rice paddy, has a semi-open design, providing immersive natural experiences.
Stakeholder engagement at all stages, from pre-design dialogue through construction and beyond, ensured that the community made vital contributions to the centre’s design. Today, its structures synergistically demonstrate harmony between architecture, people and nature, producing a compelling model of sustainable, future-ready development.
