Loch Coulter Fishery

Location: Loch Coulter, Scotland

Type: Residential / Civic

Stage: Pre-Planning

This proposal aims to introduce a fishery with three fresh water ponds, ancillary accommodation and landscaping on the site. The proposal will support the recreational use of the fishery, including a tackle shop and cafe, and a bicycle hire facility accessible to tourists and the local population alike. On site accommodation would also include a family residence for the site fishery manager and a flight of 7 residential long houses to provide residential visitor accommodation on the site. This development will provide a unique tourist and visitor attraction which will augment the growing interest in outdoor recreational activities generally and Stirling area in particular.

The existing wider landscape is open and dramatic while the site landscape is generally grassland and marshland, largely devoid of mature trees with the exception of a small number of existing trees on site in copses. The open nature of the site suggests that development should be subtle, carefully curated and obedient to the site contours and rural setting.

The proposal remains respectful to the recognisable rural context adopting simple massing, form and materiality, making reference to rural agricultural buildings and farm clusters. The proposed buildings are obedient to the site contours seeking to nestle into the low Eastern boundary of the site with the intention of remaining largely obscured from the approaches, and reducing skyline impact

The material palette which compliments the fabric first approach is intentionally limited and simple, aiming to compliment the existing rural nature of the site and surrounding locale. A fabric first approach is to be adopted through locking in carbon within the building envelope and enhanced fabric insulation, while maximising solar gain and natural lighting through primary facade orientation towards the Southern views.