The Cumbrian Wild Belt | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

On a smaller scale, the “Wast Water Wild Centre” was situated in a valley. It became extremely important for the building to respond to the surrounding natural features since the site was surrounded by mountains and had no built context. 

Additionally, as the site was in a Zone 2 flood risk area, all buildings designed there had to take this into account. Aside from this, the existing site was a frequent trekking route with numerous well-known landmarks scattered throughout, making it an ideal site location.

Design Process

With the site being quite pristine, the aim was to keep the built up area to a bare minimum. To reduce the risk of flooding, the visitor centre was positioned atop a mound. It was connected to two bridges so that as people traverse this transitional area, they move through various zones and habitats.

The roof was one of the more important design elements. In contrast to the typical Cumbrian typology of pitched roofs, the ridged lines of the mountains in the background appeared to align with the straight lines. Extruded roofs that resembled the mountain backdrop and served as sunwells were explored. A model was made out of the chosen materials of wood, cob and slate to see how these would fit together. To prevent overheating, adjustable louvres were used, which also created a sense of dynamism to the façade of the project. 

Final Outcome

This proposal seeks to improve the efficiency of resources and habitats by redesigning the Cumbrian County Master Plan into distinct zones. Recognizing the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on the tourism industry, this revised plan introduces the possibility of establishing a new tourism zone within Cumbria, aiming to revitalize the local economy and attract visitors.

A central objective of the proposal is the creation of a new tourism zone, intended to offer a unique blend of ecological conservation and economic development through wildlife tourism. Another critical objective is to promote rewilding and the reintroduction of native species. By restoring natural habitats and reintroducing species that have been lost, the project aims to enhance Cumbria’s ecological balance.

A key feature of the project is the Wast Water Wild Centre, envisioned as a gateway between the tourism zone and the wild zone. This centre will play a pivotal role in immersing visitors in the natural environment, featuring a research centre for scientific exploration, overnight cabins for a unique lodging experience, and a visitor centre offering educational resources and activities. The centre aims to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural surroundings.

Conclusion: This innovative project underscores the need to prioritize biodiversity in the building and development sector, even within our anthropocentric society. By integrating economic growth with ecological stewardship, Cumbria can become a model for sustainable tourism and habitat management. This comprehensive approach not only aims to boost the local economy but also ensures that biodiversity becomes a central consideration in future development projects.

[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]