The Sill
The Assembley Point
Northumberland National Park Visitor Centre
The Sill Visitor Centre at Steel Rigg shall be an assembly point for Hikers, Cyclists and Rock Climbers throughout Northumberland. Running through the site are a range of travel routes with the historical Hadrian’s Wall intersecting the site 30m south of Steel Rigg.
There are three different axis which heavily influenced the positioning of the 3 buildings; a Visitor Centre, Youth Hostel, and an Activity Centre. These axis are taken from routes approaching the site and views out to the Whin Sill formation. The building’s Architectural form is taken from the local Northumberland Vernacular which surrounds the site. Looking into the natural composition of the existing site and build-up of vegetation, the obscuring view through the tree line is a major design influence in the architectural language of the project.
The main approach from the Car Park situated at ‘Once Brewed’, runs in a northerly direction, intersecting Hadrian’s Wall on approach to the Centre. This segment of the Wall which was removed is now exhibited in the Visitor’s Centre, accompanied by a map of Northumberland National Park and information on the surrounding wildlife and geology of Steel Rigg.
The positioning of the three buildings are based along three main axis that run through the site. Each axis has been based upon one route of access. The main one being that of the previously located visitor centre which is south of the new location.
The car park for the Visitor Centre and Youth Hostel will be located at Once Brewed; where the current centre is situated. From here you shall approach the centre from the south. The car park is placed far from the centre so that it reduces traffic and allows you to walk and experience the nature and landscape.
The journey from the car park to the visitor centre and youth hostel will take you directly through Hadrian's Wall. An experience that has never been provided before. The segment that has been cut out of the wall will be placed within the exhibtion area.
The Youth Hostel has a variation of dorm sizes. They all are constructed with modular timber inserts that utilise the entire space of the room. Using staggered bunk-beds, each user can have a clear vision of the night sky through the roof lights.
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