Graduate architects fly the flag for British Larch in first commission
February 22, 2010
Twelve graduates from Glasgow’s Mackintosh School of Architecture have undertaken their first commission using BSW Timber’s Larch Cladding and transformed a Girl Guide campsite in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The Seed Pod - a woodland shelter - was designed and built to provide a gathering space, play area and non-denominational area of worship for the Brownies and Guides who visit the campsite.
The project was run by Design Build Studio, a summer programme set up by architect and tutor Catriona Hill, to offer architecture graduates hands-on experience through participation in a live construction project.
The use of timber, particularly locally grown, as the construction material was a key element of the project design. Consulting with Catriona, BSW Timber recommended the use of Larch, which was supplied from it’s sawmill in Fort William which was machine profiled by International Timber in Grangemouth. All pieces had to be manageable for shaping and carrying as all access to the site was on foot.
Commenting on the project Catriona said: “This project was great fun and really challenged the students by giving them a live project to work on. Not many of them had any experience working with timber, but we were all delighted by the flexibility and strength of the wood and allowed us to better create our curved structure. It was also very important to us that it was home-grown, and certainly showed what excellent timber materials we produce in this country.”
Catriona, who is an architect full time with RFK architects in London, and tutors once a week at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, has been running Design Build Studio for two years. These projects do rely on sponsorship and this year support came from BSW Timber and The Forestry Commission.
She continued: “This project, thanks to our sponsors, has provided a place of fun for the future generations of Brownies and Guides who will use it, but also has given confidence to the group of graduate architects who were involved. I am delighted to say that they have all now gone on to full-time employment. ”
The Brownies who have since stayed at the campsite, are known to be thrilled with the Seed Pod. It has proven to be the perfect venue for candle-lit midnight feasts.
Alan Wheat director of sales and marketing for BSW Timber commented: "This is a great project, and helps to demonstrate the versatility of our Larch Cladding products. Quality British larch is one of the most attractive cladding options, and we want to encourage more people to recognise this and think about the variety of ways it can be used.”
"As a fully sustainable and durable timber, which is FSC certified, Larch Cladding products come with the assurance that they will be long lasting and maintain their striking look in years to come.”