Wallace Monument visitor facility extension

Wallace Monument visitor facility extension 2009 Lee Boyd Architects Latest images - 20 Mar 2009: VISITOR CENTRE AT WALLACE MONUMENT Lee Boyd Architects have recently completed an extension to the existing visitor facility at the Wallace Monument near Stirling. The building opened to the public on Wednesday 25th March 2009. Extending into an area currently filled by woodland planting, the new building comprises a partially mono-pitched simple form linked to the existing building via a low level entrance area. With the building positioned at an open angle, the approach to the entrance via the undercroft of the front canopy is designed to be welcoming and flow naturally from the existing car park area. The glazed front and rear facades of the link element allow the café to establish its separate but complimentary role in relation to the existing facility which will continue to house retail and public WC services. The two operational volumes are visually tied together by the same façade treatment of panel cladding with an articulating layer of timber fin cladding held in front, echoing the vertical rhythm of the surrounding dense treescape. To the rear of the café space, the glazing remains un-screened, allowing the visitors to enjoy the view up the hillside towards the monument visible beyond the treetops. Sliding doors at either end of this façade facilitate the opening up of the café seating area onto the terrace to the south. Through sensitively crafted design, the architectural language of this modest new building will overlap and envelop the existing to give a unified appearance, and breathe fresh life into this important national site. Previously: The extension to the existing visitor facility at the Wallace Monument, designed by Lee Boyd Architects, is nearing completion. The new building, scheduled to open at the end of March 2009, creates a cafe/restaurant with open views to the Monument. Wallace Monument visitor facility extension Stirling images / information from Lee Boyd 270309, 200309, 290109 Wallace Monument visitor facility architect : Lee Boyd Stirling Castle Stirling Architecture Scottish Country Houses Scottish Castles