INTRODUCTION

BRIEF

Clumber park is the focus of this project. The site which has been selected is the Village Hall which is located at the Northern end of Clumber Lake. Clumber park is a 3,800 acre park owned by the National Trust, filled with woodland and heath. Clumber park was once the country estate of the Duke’s of Newcastle.

The project explores the current use and main functions existing in Clumber Park, whilst incorporating the values of a National Trust heritage site. The proposed project ims to better utilise the natural resources that Clumber Park offers while still preserving and educating the public about places of historical interest and natural beauty.

The project invites visitors from all ages and parts of society to experience Clumber Lake, forming a true connection with the water. Being the largest man-made element within Clumber Park, creating activity on the lake allows visitors to experince all corners of the park like the Duke’s did through history.

As proved by the cricket team which has been suc- cessfully running within Clumber park since the Duke’s inhabited the park, sporting activity is a very stong element which doesn’t diminish and will still be flourish- ing in many years to come. Through time, a clubhouse supporting and hosting events for the park will build a strong community and build memories which can never be lost.

To best fulfil these requirements, and to install a long standing community, it is proposed that a kayak club, with a cafe and training facilities is to be established.

MASTERPLAN

The intention of introducing a kayak club to Clumber park is to help progress the utlization of the lake and to improve the flow of visitor population around the park. In the current circum- stances there are clear sections within the park in which people are attracted to, this is due to the main functioning buildings being based in one area. This causes a natural lean towards the southern part of the park, where Clumber House used to be located. This is also due to the abundance of facilities and lack of need/intrigue for some to explore further.

By introducing The Lincoln Kayak Club, visitors will be drawn towards the currently more dor- ment part of Clumber park. This will even out the use of facilites, especially benefitting the park on more busy days. This is demonstrated on the maps on the next page which show the shift of footfall intended to happen after the implementation of The Lincoln Kayak Club.

The kayak club is named ‘The Lincoln Kayak Club’ after the Lincoln frigate that was dominant on the lake through the history of when the park was an estate for the Dukes of Newcastle. The Lincoln, named after the sunken vessel at the bottom of Clumber Lake, offers facilities includ- ing leisurely in and out of water activities (fresh water swimming, kayaking), as well as being a hub for those who are interested in taking a more competitive approach to water sports (gym/ training section). The structure allows visitors to have an intimate experience within the trees, as well as boasting breath-taking views and offering a space for potential events all year round. Aesthetically the structure is intended to gently resemble the framework of a capsized boat and has exposed framework throughout to nurture this concept. The design lives within its context, complimenting it’s surrounding natural features.

The Lincoln has been designed so it can be moulded to suit many different functions. It’s versit- ile, adjustable form opens up the opportunity for the National Trust to host events for all different occassions, casual or more formal. There is also the opportunity to hold racing events which could focus on the kayaking element, or potentially include other sports such as triathlons.

The reason that The Lincoln kayak club is suitable for Clumber Park and the National Trust, is it draws on the lost history of the park, informing visitors of the exhilirating action which the lake has been part of. The beauty of introducing another sport to the park is that, like the existing cricket club, it would bring a new community to the area.

Within Clumber park there is a clear interest in using the space for physical activity, with a functioning cricket team, bike hire and triathlons/runs that are put on throughout the year. The introduction of a kayak club grows on this attracting people from all age groups and societies, and allowing people to interract with the lake more.

Along with the design of the lincoln and it’s connecting jetty, there would be multiple pontoons which have been designed specifically for kayakers. These pontoons create points of intrigue for visiters walking around the lake, drawing attention to the presence of The Lincoln.

Through research it is clear that the lake is currently enjoyed by visitors from its edge, however it is evident that there is a significant lack of activity on the water’s surface. This is the reasoning for introducing the kayak center in order to enhance visitors experience of the lake.

The proposal of the Lincoln is one that considers the history and beauty of Clumber Park. Sitting comfortably in the wooded landscape, the structure reflects the natural attributes of its surroundings, becoming part of its context. The introduction of the Lincoln would not diminish, but nurture Clumber Parks identity, introducing new communities and encouraging the public to interact with and experience the stunning historical lake.

**MAP OF CLUMBER PARK INDICATING CURRENT AREAS OF MOST CONCENTRATED FOOTFALL NOT TO SCALE**

THE VILLAGE HALL

**MAP OF CLUMBER PARK INDICATING AREAS OF MOST CONCENTRATED FOOTFALL AFTER COMPLETION OF PROJECT NOT TO SCALE**

THE LINCOLN KAYAK CLUB

When the lake was built, it was constructed in order to be an asset to Clumber House. However since the loss of the house there is a certain disconnection between the main buildings and the lake itself. Fishing enthusiasts still interact with the lake on occassion, however the main interraction can sometimes be left to when a dog runs in to enjoy the waters. By introducing kayaking, it enables the public to witness the park from a different perspective. The visuals on this page demonstrate only a few of the breathtaking moments which can be created by allowing visitors the opportunity to fully experience the park from the water’s surface.

INTRODUCTION

BRIEF

MASTERPLAN

This article is from:

FINAL PROJECT BOOK ONE