The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched an open design competition for a visitor centre at Langley Vale Wood; an ancient forest site in Surrey, England.

UK conservation charity the Woodland Trust (WT) has partnered with RIBA to select an “innovative and imaginative” design for the 300sq m (3,200sq ft) structure, which will welcome 180,000 annual visitors to the 640-acre woodland site.

“The visitor hub will provide our visitors with shelter and public convenience facilities but also welcome them and excite them about the landscape beyond," said the WT.

"The design should be memorable, functional and durable and complement the natural landscape.”

Langley Vale Wood was formerly used as a training site for British soldiers during the First World War and the WT has designated the area as one of four First World War Centenary Woods in the UK. The area is being protected and developed to “provide a living tribute to those affected by the First World War and to encourage people to get outdoors.”

The WT has committed to planting 200,000 native trees in the woodland – including beech, rowan, hawthorn and oak – to increase the peaceful and natural habitat for local wildlife.

The initial phase of the competition requires UK-based teams to submit designs anonymously and digitally by 27 January 2016. Three concept designs will then be shortlisted for further development. Each shortlisted designer will receive £3,000 (€4,300, US$4,500) in prize money. The budget for the project is £325,000 (€462,000, US$489,000).

“We are very excited to invite architects to help us design a unique building in fitting with a growing landscape,” said Philippa Borrill, project development manager of the WT.

“The winning design will help us welcome thousands of visitors each year to experience and enjoy native broadleaf woodland.”

RIBA launches design competition for Fens visitor centre