Yorkshire Water operates a large reservoir and nature reserve which attracts significant numbers of migratory birds. The reservoir and surrounding reserve are recognised as a SSSI, Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Yorkshire Water were keen to improve the visitor experience and broaden visitor diversity by providing a new reception Bird Hide as a centre piece to the reserve offering spectacular views over the main reservoir and opportunities for interpretation and education.
The hide combines classroom facilities, overlooking the new dipping pond, a public viewing gallery with large picture windows to view the extensive reservoir and a twenty-four hour twitcher’s hide for the dedicated bird watchers wanting to catch migratory birds on their last stop in the country before departing to warmer climes.
The building provides separation between different user groups, and delivers drama to accentuate the experience to be had of the location and setting. The building has been considered in its context, establishing an articulated landscape approach to provide level access to the upper level viewing gallery and a new pond area as a focus for the ground level education suite.
Working with the reserve manager and volunteers a new landscape setting has been created. Excavation established the new dipping ponds and controlled the potential flood risk. The removed earth was used to shield the car park area and create sloping access through the trees up to an elevated terrace and the reception hide which is at the same level as the reservoir.
Working with the team on site to articulate the landscape has maximised the impact of the building for it £500k budget. The steel frame building is articulated as two interlocking volumes, the upper timber clad volume floats with a dramatic cantilever over the cementitious base which is embedded into the landscape.
Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Group Ginger
Group ginger is a practice of architects. Our name derives from the political term, a ginger group. Ginger groups work to identify alternative ideas for the benefit of their host. As such Group Ginger works with clients to identify opportunities which amplify development potential and celebrate activity.
