Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre

Architype were appointed by Forestry Commission Wales to design an exemplar extension to the iconic Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park Visitor Centre building utilising Welsh grown softwoods. In the South Snowdonia National Park, the new building is linked to the current visitor centre by an overhead bridge and has been built using a revolutionary construction technique, Brettstapel, that could open up an exciting new market for Welsh timber.

Location

Snowdonia, UK

Area

400 m2

Status

Completed

Year

2013

Client

Natural Resources Wales (formerly FCW)

The building, completed in June 2013, has been made entirely from home-grown timber and sets high standards in energy efficiency by using high levels of insulation, excellent airtightness and natural light. The 400m2 extension includes a new bike shop and hire facility on the ground floor, with a multi-functional conference/meeting room and cafe overflow area and much needed 24-hour access public WCs on the first floor. The additional accommodation will help to serve the soaring visitor numbers, which attracted 150,000 visitors in its first year following a record-breaking summer.

The new visitor centre at Coed-y-Brenin is not only architecturally pleasing, it's also a fantastic example of how local timber can be used to excellent effect.

Rob Penn, British Writer, Photographer and Broadcaster.

Vision

All vision

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We have a proven track-record in delivering natural low-impact materials as part of mainstream solutions.

Innovating with Natural Materials

Natural Materials

How can natural, low-impact materials be effectively integrated into projects?

Welsh Brettstapel

The brief provided by Natural Resources Wales (formerly FCW) requested that the building should be a showcase for Welsh timber and timber products, using an innovative construction method and Wales' huge stock of low grade, fast growing softwood, Larch and Sitka Spruce.

Design

The concept behind the design of the building was derived from feedback from the consultations, the design aspirations and as a response to the site and the location of the building.  Both elements, the new building and the entrance extension of the proposal were designed to integrate and sit comfortably next to the existing building whilst being distinct from it. Both have an elegant and simple form and take inspiration from the forest and landscape.

The new entrance extension acts like a limpet, hugging the existing building and protruding from below its eaves. Its shape follows the curve of the external wall of the existing building.

The new building sits separately from the existing building, its two story form is partially dug into the ground and follows the direction of the contours of the hillside. Its form is simple, it emerges out of the landscape, to the north it is closed up and sheltered, to the south it opens up to make the most of the far reaching views and natural daylight.

Coed-y-Brenin was the UK's first dedicated mountain biking trail venue and it's something Wales is rightly proud of: the new centre has added to it significantly.