Moxon
A serene lakeside landscape at dawn with two tall, rectangular stone structures near the water. A flock of birds soars across the sky. The atmosphere is calm, with mist rising over the lake and soft light illuminating the scene.
WWT Bat Roosts

WWT Bat Roosts

London, England

2008

Client   WWT London Wetland Centre
Industrial Design
Through the use of Cement Stabilised Rammed Earth this bat roost design for the London Wetlands Centre incorporates a range of environmental conditions within an externally unified form. The construction method is similar in principle to that of in situ steel reinforced concrete: formwork is erected into which a damp mixture of earth, clay and cement is compressed over a number of layers.
A solitary, vertical structure stands on a misty hillside under a pastel-colored sky. A large flock of birds flies around it, creating dynamic shapes in the air. Silhouetted trees are visible in the background.

Rammed Earth construction is an inherently sustainable building method – the raw material is almost universally available. Critically with regard to this design it has an extraordinarily high thermal mass, keeping temperature fluctuations to a minimum. It also forms a natural barrier to cold wind, insects and rodents and is fireproof and sound proof. Clay and mud would be sourced directly from the London Wetland Centre – in this way the colouration and texture of the site is manifest in the material of the roost. Lichens, mosses and other clinging plants would be encouraged to colonise the outside of the rammed earth. 

The concrete of the foundation, combined with the earth under which it is buried, will provide the most climactically stable environment in the whole structure – where the rammed earth ensures stability over the daily cycle, the foundations will provide seasonal stability.

Sketch of abstract architectural structures on a blue background, featuring several vertical elements and geometric shapes in white lines.
A digital rendering of an exploded view of a mechanical assembly, featuring various components like panels, a central frame with an intricate internal structure, and a base. The image is on a blue background.
A tall, narrow tower stands surrounded by dense fog and mist. Trees are visible in the background, and tall grasses can be seen in the foreground, partially obscuring the base of the structure. The atmosphere is serene and mysterious.
A tall, minimalist structure reflected in a misty body of water, with reeds and distant trees, architecture by MOXON Architects.

Related projects

A sleek, modern gold faucet stands out against a black background. The faucet has a wide, flat top and a thin neck, resembling a futuristic art piece. Its reflective surface highlights its elegant and minimalist design.

Royal Parks Fountain
London
A city square with scattered red furniture, including chairs and tables, is depicted. Numerous red chairs are suspended in the air, creating a surreal atmosphere. Historic buildings and trees line the background.

Mull Chair
Milan
A boathouse partially submerged in a calm lake, surrounded by trees. The building has a wooden structure with a shingled roof. The water reflects the boathouse and the surrounding greenery. A bench is visible on the paved path nearby.

Serpentine Boathouse
London
Projects Studio News
Email
Instagram
LinkedIn
Privacy notice  •  Terms of use  •  Site credits
©2025  •  All rights reserved  •  Design by Modern Activity