Natural Synthesis- a rural paradise

Project idea

Lumsdale Mills Visitor Centre

Located within the Peak District in Derbishire lies Lumsdale valley. It's one of the best water-powered industrial archaeological sites in Great Britain. The site itself is very difficult, in terms of terrain and the amount of nature trees. Not only are there huge inclines in terrain, there's a waterfall which has now become an attraction of the site.

Essentially we were to propose a visitors centre containing a minimum of: exhibition space, study facilities and refreshment facilities. These requirements were to fit within a minimum of 2 buildings.

The idea was to create an architectural destination that celebrates the sites history and welcomes all kinds of visitors to it. This goal would be achieved through; meaningful creative interpretation, structural logic, symbolic representation and spatial organisation

Project description

The project started at the site where surveying drawings took place along side measurements of trees, terrain and more importantly the ruins that lie on the site. Not only this but the Arkwright's society owners of the site gave a brief talk on how to go about the ruins (due to their age).

From this a 1:100 model off the site was made.

Research on the site then took place. This was followed closely by design ideas.

Brief development of needed sizes was created. A precedents pannel was also created to help guide the project.

Site analysis took place first and from many design drawings a site strategy was created followed by a detailed site strategy.

From this a combination of hand sketches and model making occurred. Designing through model making is what brought the project to life. Giving it a better perspective.

This was then repeated to achieve the final outcome.

Technical information

The chosen concept for the proposal was contemplation. Reflecting many aspects; for example the terrain of the site or the history of the site.

Detail with experiencing the site was heavily focused on. Especially what was happening in the 3rd space between both buildings.

Access was a factor closely looked at. More importantly delivery for the kitchen was detail that was conquered.

Making the site as environmentally friendly as possible, utilising natural sunlight and direct heat with good ventilation was key.

Capturing the waterfall both within the building and externally was something that would allow it to grow and cater for lots of people.

Connecting both buildings through architectural techniques rather than attached physically.