The Project

The Greenrigg development consists of two buildings, a cycle skills track and an extensive network of cycle paths and walkways among Canada Woods, on the Calendar Estate in Falkirk.

The building stands alone, slightly elevated above the passing John Muir Way, with views across fields and South over the Falkirk area. The main function is to provide cyclists and walkers with a place to eat and drink, or just take a rest. The first floor manager’s flat provides some security to the isolated location.

Space heating and hot water are provided via a ground source heat pump, with flow and return loop pipes installed in the adjacent field. This system provides heat and hot water to both buildings.

Outdoor spaces for eating and drinking are also provided. The projecting stone walls of the building offer some shelter from the wind and privacy in the exposed site.

The ground floor is divided in to two separate areas; the restaurant and its associated services, such as the kitchen and toilets. The primary space is the restaurant, which is defined by the large section Douglas Fir structural frame. This also extends in to the external canopy at the main entrance.

Use of Timber

Timber is a predominant construction material in the walls and roof, including the band sawn Siberian Larch externally, and the flexible wood fibre insulation, resulting in a hydroscopic, breathing wall and roof construction. A rigid wood based insulation product, is used to over clad the walls and roof. This sits beneath the external finishes of Siberian Larch, chosen for it’s durability and regular grain, and Cupa slate, respectively.

The main feature of the building is a large section structural frame manufactured and erected by Alba Green Oak Frames from Dalkieth, a specialist carpentry company. All connections are formed using tried and tested mortice and tenon joinery, with little need for metal fixings. Since David Douglas introduced Douglas Fir to Scotland in the 19th century, it has been grown throughout Scotland, most notably on estates. The Douglas Fir used was sourced from James Jones’ saw mill in Forfar.

Image: Pete Cummins Architect