 The land under the stewardship of the National Trust at Kynance Cove lies within an extensive SSSI and being visible from all aproaches is a place where any intervention has to pay the highest respect to the natural landscape. The Trust has undertaken an extensive project to upgrade the buildings and their surroundings at Kynance Cove and as part of this project comissioned Bedford and Jobson to design a new facilities building on the derelict site of the generator shed. The number and variety of functions to be housed within the building required a construction somewhat greater than the existing cafe. Making an earth-covered building allowed for the existing ad-hoc group of small scale structures to stand unchallenged by their larger new neighbour. The roof, covered in specially selected turf from Lizard Down, reproduces the bio-diverse grass slopes of the valley sides and with its curving section disappears into the restored landscape. Stones and rocks saved from excavations have been used to restore existing drystone walls that serve to enclose the building. Easy level access for both ambulant and wheelchair visitors is provided from the nearby designated parking area and from the cafe. Durable low maintenance materials, finishes and fittings have been selected to cope through the harsh winters and, more importantly, with the high impact usage in the summer season from the anticipated 2000 visitors a day that come to the Cove. The building is naturally ventilated and, apart from times of low light levels - late evening and winter season, naturally lit. |
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