Loch Leven Bird Hide

With a primary structure constructed of Scottish douglas fir, clad and decked in larch, the building provides an enclosed viewing platform from which to observe the natural wildlife.

The hide is supported above the banks of the loch on two large Douglas fir beams bolted to three raised concrete foundations, and connected to the loch's heritage trail by a bridge.

Openings in the facade are arranged to frame views across the water, and are lined with oak, a material also used in the construction of two fixed benches and a number of shelves internally.

A hit and miss cladding technique is used on the screen to reduce wind loadings. Applied on both sides and carefully offset, the cladding reduces the visual disruption to the wildlife on the loch and allows airflows to pass through.

The screen bends over the bridge providing visual cover and continues in to wraps around the interior to form the internal linings.