The Education Room at Sumburgh Head Lighthouse
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A new addition to the existing lighthouse containing a multi-purpose room used for a variety of events, workshops, lectures and exhibitions
Following extensive restoration by Groves-Raines Architects in 2014, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse was opened to the public as a world class visitor attraction focused on Shetland’s marine nature and maritime history.
The collection of existing buildings, by their nature, turn their back on the harsh elements and huddle together as an inward looking group providing little opportunity to truly experience the place in anything but good weather.
The concept was to create a new space which would enhance the visitor’s sense of the setting by allowing the maximum view and experience of the dramatic surroundings from a warm and dry space, regardless of the weather.
Drawing inspiration from existing WWII structures on and around the site, the education centre comprises of a 180° curved glass frontage to a newly formed concrete bunker, perched on the cliff edge providing uninterrupted, panoramic views from Bressay to Fair Isle.
Data
- Begun: Jul 2012
- Completed: Apr 2014
- Floor area: 123m2
- Sector: Education
- Total cost: £225,275
- Funding: 225275
- Tender date: Jan 2012
- Procurement: SBCC Standard Building Contract with quantities (SBC Q Scot) Rev 2009
- Address: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Virkie, Shetland, Sumburgh, ZE3 9JN, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: GRAS
- Client: Shetland Amenity Trust
- Structural Engineers: David Narro Associates
- Quantity surveyor: Morham & Brotchie
- Services engineer: Irons Foulner
- CDM Co-ordinator: David Adamson & Partners
