I went on another visit to Lumsdale Valley to get a better feel for the site. The weather was far better this time so I was able to get a clearer look at everything in my own time. Also, because all the measurements were already done, I was able to focus on exploring the site instead of measuring one specific area of it. Something which proved very valuable indeed...
The above image shows the waterfall site. After my first visit, I had the intention of building around the overflow at the top of the site. It is a similar area to design for, it has two levels of falling water, rock on the far side to build into and ground on the other to enter from.
However whilst I was designing, I was finding the overflow site quite restrictive in size, to achieve a design which correctly responded to the brief, it was possible that some landscaping to the area might have been necessary. This was less than ideal as it countered my feelings towards the site in that I wish to leave the site as we found it as much as possible.
The waterfall, however, presents a far larger area to work with. The span of the fall is far greater, as is the depth of it. Both of these factors allow me to produce to piece of architecture which responds to the site better and keeps the design more hidden and in keeping with the area, reducing the need for any landscaping.
Below are two videos which I took of the area and how it is approached.
However whilst I was designing, I was finding the overflow site quite restrictive in size, to achieve a design which correctly responded to the brief, it was possible that some landscaping to the area might have been necessary. This was less than ideal as it countered my feelings towards the site in that I wish to leave the site as we found it as much as possible.
The waterfall, however, presents a far larger area to work with. The span of the fall is far greater, as is the depth of it. Both of these factors allow me to produce to piece of architecture which responds to the site better and keeps the design more hidden and in keeping with the area, reducing the need for any landscaping.
Below are two videos which I took of the area and how it is approached.
There are some already existing steps which lead down to the waterfall. These are perfect for my design as they direct you towards an area which slightly overlaps the edge towards the fall, creating an ideal lead up to the entry of my design. The steps also follow round to the right too, allowing others split off and continue through the site, meaning that the proposal does not interfere with any pedestrian flow through the site. This is important to me as I want to preserve this beautiful area the best I can, people visit it to explore and to interrupt this would be a shame.
The waterfall section of the site has a lot of space to build in. The rocks on both sides can be used to support the structure by spanning beams across from one side to the other, upon which the elevated unit can be supported (along with some support from the lower down ground unit too). There is also plenty of space below where I was stood in which to place the underground unit. The ground level unit will be at the bottom of the fall, next to the underground unit, and will have the appearance of hovering slightly above the ground as it will be raised slightly in order to let the water flow underneath.
The whole area is surrounded by trees and plants, with a view out towards the nature beyond too. However, the view is quite restricted by all the trees, essential blocking off any direct views. I do not consider this to be a bad thing though. Part of my intentions behind my proposal is to encourage the inhabitants of the units out into the surrounding nature. I have designed with this in mind the whole time, for example using narrow windows and slightly less headroom than normal (though not to the point of discomfort!) to enhance the freedom of being outside. The trees obstructing views is ideal for this, as to go and see more of the area, the ecologists must leave the building and explore for themselves. This prevents people from simply sitting inside and looking out. This exploration may even result in the next ecological discovery!
All videos and photos by Ben Price.