Changing viewpoint: BTE Architecture creates a pyramidal pavilion in Scotland

The Pyramid, a new landmark viewpoint on a rocky peninsula overlooking Loch Lomond, is a triple whammy of firsts. An inaugural architectural project by a newly established young practice BTE Architecture, it's also a pilot project for the Scottish Scenic Routes initiative, a new programme inspired by the National Tourist Routes in Norway that's seeking to develop a uniquely Scottish model to promote the country's destination appeal.
BTE Architecture's response to the Inveruglas site, a popular visitor spot and starting point for walkers to the Arrochar Alps, is to eschew rather than embrace a site-specific approach. 'The Pyramid's geometry, which is based on triangles in plan and section, is universal and as such not specific to or a reflection of the particular site. Therefore the structure does not necessarily use the landscape as its context, but instead creates a new context for the landscape.The Pyramid is deliberately designed as a landmark,' explains Daniel Bär, one of the three founders of the Glasgow and Oslo based BTE Architecture, alongside Stéphane Toussaint and Sean Edwards.
That's not to say that the Pyramid is simply a stand-alone statement, or indeed a 'folly' without any practical purpose. 'The Pyramid is architecture that wants to be used by its visitors,' continues Bär. 'It is positioned on the most exposed part of the site and visible from afar through its scale and physicality. People look at it.'
'Approaching the structure on the long path forming the only entrance, the Pyramid then appears amongst the trees as a vertical wall that actually blocks out the view. This relationship changes however once the visitor enters through its tunnel and into the view. At this point it disappears and the surrounding hills are more present, almost as walls, than the Pyramid itself. It was designed to be experiential.'
The Scottish Scenic Routes initiative, which is aimed exclusively at young professionals and students, is a rare opportunity for fledgling practices, such as BTE, to physically as well as conceptually construct. 'We are interested in a building culture that is progressive,' concludes Bär. 'In this respect it is important that a younger generation of architects are given a chance to participate by actually being able to create architecture that is relevant and a reflection of its time.'
Set on a rocky peninsula overlooking Loch Lomond, the pavilion was conceived to create a new context for the landscape
The timber structure is more than an architectural ’folly’ in the landscape. it can be used and also acts as a focal point in the area.
’It was designed to be experiential,’ say the architects, explaining that it was designed to have a changing relationship to its surroundings as one moves around it
The Pyramid, was primarily, created as a viewpoint - a place to take a moment and take in the gorgeous Loch Lomond views
The Scottish Scenic Routes initiative is aimed exclusively at young professionals and students. It is a rare opportunity for fledgling practices such as BTE to construct
INFORMATION
For more information on BTE Architecture visit the website
Photography: Andrew Lee
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
How to be butch: Clark Henley’s sharp, satirical and playful manual is back in print
The 1982 classic, ‘The Butch Manual: The Current Drag and How to Do It’, full of tongue-in-cheek advice, is available once again
-
Aston Martin goes goth, ramping up power, poise and dark glamour with the new Vantage S
These moody images mark the debut of the latest model out of Gaydon, the dynamically focused Aston Martin Vantage S
-
After decades capturing the world’s fashion-set, photographer Johnny Rozsa picks up a paint brush
In his first exhibition of paintings, the New York-based artist celebrates the vibrancy of Tangier while rediscovering a familiar creative outlet
-
The inimitable Norman Foster: our guide to the visionary architect, shaping the future
Norman Foster has shaped today's London and global architecture like no other in his field; explore his work through our ultimate guide to this most impactful contemporary architect
-
Kengo Kuma’s ‘Paper Clouds’ in London is a ‘poem’ celebrating washi paper in construction
‘Paper Clouds’, an installation by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a poetic design that furthers research into the use of washi paper in construction
-
Foster + Partners to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II
For the Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Foster + Partners designs proposal includes a new bridge, gates, gardens and figurative sculptures in St James’ Park
-
Wolves Lane Centre brings greenery, growing and grass roots together
Wolves Lane Centre, a new, green community hub in north London by Material Cultures and Studio Gil, brings to the fore natural materials and a spirit of togetherness
-
This ingenious London office expansion was built in an on-site workshop
New Wave London and Thomas-McBrien Architects make a splash with this glulam extension built in the very studio it sought to transform. Here's how they did it
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on life
Thanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being reborn as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Lego and Serpentine celebrate World Play Day with a new pavilion
Lego and Serpentine have just unveiled their Play Pavilion; a colourful new structure in Kensington Gardens in London and a gesture that celebrates World Play Day (11 June)
-
Inside Abbey Road's refresh: touring the legendary studio's new interior
Abbey Road gets an interior refresh by Threefold Architects, bringing the legendary London recording studio in tune with the 21st century