Castle Semple Visitors Centre


A new visitor facility at Castle Semple Country Park in Lochwinnoch for Renfrewshire Council. ​

See Our Process

  • Location

    Castle Semple, Renfrewshire

  • Status

    Planning Granted

  • Client

    Renfrewshire Council

  • Category

    Regeneration and Masterplanning

The new multi-purpose building will include new public WC facilities, a cycle hire facility, and an information kiosk. ​The design looks to replace the existing dilapidated toilet block and create a more accessible and visually appealing space for park visitors, while also re-using some of the existing materials, such as the slate roof and timber wall construction, in the new design. ​

The proposed design concept separates the buildings form into two masses, held together by an extended roof canopy.​ The space between the masses gives separation to the WC facilities and the canopy creates a generous sheltered route towards the Visitor Centre. ​

The use of simple hung sliding doors and panels allows the building to be closed down to prevent access during closing hours. The design would look to keep the building appealing and welcoming even when not in use. The overhanging roof allows users to shelter even when not needing access to the interior.

Our Process

The proposed building reads as a singular building, with the space between the two main volumes allowing a separation from the main thoroughfare to the WC’s.

Although the retention of the existing building is unviable, there is an opportunity to reuse the existing building materials. The existing building is built primarily of structural stacked timber beams held together with metal rods located to the corners. This timber structure is supported on concrete foundations with concrete block footings. The roof is made up of timber trusses supporting a slate roof build up.