Rocket Field And Lookout Tower
ROCKET FIELD AND LOOKOUT TOWER
Icosis Architects
LOCATION
Holy Island, United Kingdom
CATEGORY
Visitor Center, Cultural Architecture
Text description provided by architect.
Icosis were appointed in 2009 by Natural England to look at two projects on Lindisfarne, just off the Northumberland coast.
The projects are proposed to upgrade the facilities and accessibility to the Lookout Tower, a 1950′s Coast Guard tower that is currently not safe for public access, and to provide a new visitor building on the Rocket Field adjacent to the main route to the Castle.
These projects are very different in character, but both aim to reflect the unique location, inspiring visitors to value and conserve the special environment that is Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.
The new Rocket Field building is located on the main route to the castle and provides a visitor information point relating to the island’s rich nature and wildlife.
The stone walled and turf roofed building also acts as a muster point and education facility.
The Rocket Field provides an excellent habitat for a great variety of birds, and the building is intended to focus views out over the field and bird activity.
Careful detailing has allowed birds to nest within the eaves of the building itself. The Lookout Tower has been altered to enable visitors to the island to enjoy the spectacular views it provides.
The project includes a new glazed lantern on the first floor, and has greatly improved the quality of access in and to the building, along with the provision of new interpretation and orientation information.
The original structure has been sensitively repaired using lime mortar, and original features such as the windows and the iron studded timber door were retained.
