Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
The site is located
on a peninsula overlooking the U.K.’s largest stretch of inland water, Loch
Lomond. An existing cafe marks the entrance situation for visitors arriving
either by car from the A82 or by boat. From the car park with adjoining jetty,
a system of pathways lead onto the peninsula and continue along its exposed
edges formed by big rocks, or through the site sheltered by trees and bushes.
The rocks locate the site high above the water’s edge and a series of steps and
easily accessible ramps lead the visitor through the sloped inside of the site.
The pathways interlink, creating a parcour with rendezvous points adding
emphasis to these junctions. The
topography of the site allows the surrounding landscape to be experienced as a
panorama, with the site itself visible from afar, as a rock amongst water.
The viewpoint takes
the shape of a triangular platform and is positioned at the end of a long
curved path stretching form the car park to the highest point of the peninsula.
It is first seen as a narrow vertical stack amongst the tree trunks surrounding
the path. Only a glimpse towards the loch is visible through a long tunnel,
that marks the entrance situation of the viewpoint. The single storey tunnel
that is as narrow as the path, leads from one vertex of the triangle to its
base with views over the loch disguising the scale of the project. Only after
having passed through this entrance and then looking back into the triangle,
the viewpoint manifests itself as a steep rising platform that is accessed by
steps going up and around the perimeter of the form. Benches, interspersed
between the steps, create the central core. As the structure rises the more
exposed the benches become mimicking the seating arrangements of an arena.
Externally the
viewpoint creates a distinctive point of attraction. With a strong visual
impact it embraces the vast drama of the landscape which wants to be
experienced in such an exposed location. The inviting gesture of the beacon
attracts visitors from a distance, to explore an alternative view, a pause in
their journey on this scenic seat. The sculptural character of the project is
strengthened through the use of one singular material. Both walls and the
horizontal steps and benches are finished with a vertical timber rain screen.
It’s bold appearance contrasts and compliments the various greens of its
natural surroundings and the usable inside of the structure invites the visitor
to have a seat on a warm material, that wants to be touched.
The pyramid
viewpoint was realised as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes competition, an
initiative by the Scottish government with the aim of showcasing young design
practices based in Scotland. The original proposal was developed and detailed
by BTE according to the specific requirements as defined by the Loch Lomond and
The National Park authority, who were responsible for the management and
execution of the project on site.