AHR completes a timber-clad lookout pavilion in scotland

AHR completes a timber-clad lookout pavilion in scotland
all images courtesy of AHR

global architecture studio AHR has designed a sheltered pavilion, and transformed a tired-looking, but popular café on the scottish shoreline of loch ryan. situated between stranraer’s town center and cairnryan port, the scheme is the first in a series of ‘gateway’ projects to be built in key locations on the outskirts of the region. the construction of a cantilevered pavilion provides shelter from the rain and wind, while providing a panoramic vantage point, framing views for birdwatchers and users of the café. the design of the refurbished gateway involved the detailed re-cladding and weatherproofing of the structure, offering a more inviting public appearance.

the scheme is the first of a series of ‘gateway’ projects to be built in key locations

pavilion access was carefully considered to allow wheelchair users atop the raised timber deck, where seating has also been installed. over time, the scottish larch wood cladding will transform the kiosks from their current light brown state to a natural silvery grey. the materials have been chosen for their robust, durable nature and sustainable, low-maintenance qualities.

the construction of a cantilevered pavilion provides shelter from the rain and wind

the landscape design team at AHR was appointed by dumfries & galloway council to help transform a series of key gateway locations and suggest ways in which this may be done. the gateways have been designed to help improve and revitalize key approaches to stranraer following the relocation of ferry operations to ireland to the nearby port of cairnryan. the project is part of stranraer’s wider waterfront regeneration.

the scheme frames views for birdwatchers and users of the café

‘we have been delighted with the transformation of what was an unremarkable café layby stop into a much more appealing location worthy of a stop and refreshment,’ said greg meikle, landscape architect at AHR. ‘the quality of workmanship by the local contractor has been exemplary and we feel that for a relatively modest outlay the client has gained a place of real interest.’

dumfries & galloway council, added: ‘it is really rewarding to see this important project now being delivered to such a high standard. the completion of the first of the gateway projects is a welcome addition to the regeneration of stranraer and underpins our council’s commitment to building the local economy. it builds on the successfully refurbished west pier, the refurbishment of agnew park and café and investment in sailing facilities at the waterfront. the new look is innovative and gives a fresh feel to the approach to the town and coupled with the recent appointment of a preferred developer for the east pier the future of stranraer is starting to take real shape.’

pavilion access was carefully considered to provide for all individuals

the design of the gateway involved the detailed re-cladding and weatherproofing of the structure

scottish larch wood will transform the kiosks from their light brown state to a silvery grey

materials have been chosen for their robust, durable nature

the gateways have been designed to help improve and revitalize key approaches to stranraer

project info:

value: £55,000
client: dumfries & galloway council
landscape architect: AHR
quantity surveyor: david neilson partnership
structural engineer: woolgar hunter
contractor: DB first with andy gibson builders