Loch Leven Bird Hide
Edinburgh Architectural Association 2012 – Small Building Award
2012 Scottish Design Awards – Low Cost Project Award
2012 RIAS Award for Architecture
2012 Wood for Good – Commendation
Forestry Commission Scotland Award 2012 – Commendation
A new bird hide on the west bank of Loch Leven south of Kinross was installed as part of an improvement and extension programme to the path network around the loch.
The substructure comprises precast concrete inverted ‘T’ shape units. The wide footings are buried, so not visible, but help reduce the applied pressure on the loose sand below. Slender protruding stems raise the hide above the highly variable water level and on par with the banking.
The superstructure is formed primarily from Scottish Douglas fir with larch cladding and oak trimmings. The arrangement of primary beams and secondary floor joists perpendicular create a floor deck which cantilevers beyond, reducing the visual impact of the sub structure.
The walls slope outwards on the front face and unobstructed corner windows allow panoramic views out in to the loch.
