Scottish Design Awards 2023 – Architecture: Public Building – Silver Award
Commissioned by Clyde Gateway, the project boasted a substantial value of £3 million.
The two distinct components of the Bothy and the Tùr required different approaches.
The Bothy, initially envisioned as a café and meeting space, now serves as a versatile office facility. With a single-storey layout, it incorporates permanent public amenities, replacing temporary portaloos. The eastern side boasts a glulam hybrid, while the western side embraces traditional timber framing.
The Tùr, aptly named from Scots Gaelic for ‘tower’, showcases a fully glulam structure fortified with steel bases for optimal connection and durability. Complementing this, the walkways feature softwood timber, leading to timber platforms for a seamless visitor experience.
Central to our mission was the enhancement of the Cuningar Loop, a public park overlooking the Commonwealth Village area, originally developed for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. However, the project encountered challenges stemming from the site’s historical contamination, including low soil capacities. This necessitated a departure from the original plan, opting for a raft foundation supported by a robust network of geo grids.
Navigating the complexities of geometry and connections, especially within the Tùr, our team leveraged extensive 3D modelling to ensure precision and cohesion. Despite the apparent simplicity of the structures, intricate detailing was essential to realise the architect’s aesthetic vision.
Narro’s collaboration with JM Architects on the Cuningar Bothy and Tùr project not only addressed functional needs but also elevated the surrounding landscape, enriching the community’s recreational experiences.
