The brief for the visitors centre included capacity for 160,000 visitors a year, and minimal impact on the environment. The site had open birch woodland, surrounded by the stark mountains of Glen Coe. The solution chosen was a “clachan” development (Gaelic for hamlet or small village). In this way the buildings were less obtrusive in the landscape, could be fitted round existing trees and land features, and reflected the traditional building form of the area.

The buildings were designed to allow for changing usage, with portal frames so that internal partitions were not structural and service voids giving ease of maintenance and alterations. All materials were monomeric (single component) to allow for later recycling, and good quality fittings were used to encourage reuse.

The buildings are insulated with Warmcel, and include a number of other features to reduce cold bridging; they are built on raised pads to reduce the amount of concrete used, and are primarily constructed of untreated Scottish timbers. The building is, as far as possible, naturally ventilated and heated with a wood chip district heating system.

Designed for the National Trust for Scotland by Gaia Architects, The Monastery, 2 Hart Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH1 3RG.
www.gaiagroup.org

Quantity Surveyors: Ralph Ogg & Partners, 2 King James Place, Perth, PH2 8AE. RalphOggandPartners@BTInternet.com