Birnbeck Island Shortlisted
By Bustler Editors|
Saturday, Feb 9, 2008
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Six designs have been shortlisted for the redevelopment of Birnbeck Island and pier in Somerset following an international architecture competition.
The pier which connects the island to Weston-super-Mare opened in 1867.
It had been designed to attract the thousands of visitors brought by paddle steamers to the island. BBC
Birnbeck Island Competition Website | Previously on Bustler
The finalists…
AOC Architecture, London
“We propose Birnbeck Island becomes an inhabitable mountain, a spectacularly ‘natural’ landmark that will become synonymous with the newly developed Birnbeck Village, in Weston-super-Mare.
Like Cape Town and its Table Mountain, Birnbeck and its mountain will share views of each other and establish a range of places to live, work and enjoy, for locals and visitors alike. The Island provides an exclusively inclusive destination hotel, offering everything from 1 star cabins to 5 star clifftop retreats. On the mainland the village offers a range of homes perched on the hillside, arranged to ensure all enjoy sea views, easy access and private amenity.”
Judges comment: “Nice bold scheme, great visuals, good treatment of foreshore as well as the island.”
FLACQ Architects, London
“A low impact, sustainable development using the site’s natural resources to heat, cool, filter, cleanse and grow. A destination that celebrates the old and rings in the new, with vibrant public spaces and a collection of markets, restaurants and bars, independent retailers and a music venue for festivals and concerts. Seaside holidays for all tastes and budgets, from boutique hotel rooms at ‘The Lodge’ and self catering stays at the ‘Bunk House’ to back to basics at the ‘Beach Hut’.
Excellent coastal views from permanent earth sheltered dwellings nestled into the mainland hill. A scheme to enhance the natural qualities of Birnbeck Island. A sensitive landscape of mud-scapes, reed beds, sea pools and mollusc beds provide a variety of environments for boating, fishing, swimming and wildlife.”
Judges comment: “Potentially good ‘placemaking’ approach, earth shelter dwellings very intriguing, liked the plan.”
Levitate Architecture and Design Studio Ltd, London
“Levitate propose to rebalance development on Birnbeck Island, by amplifying the Island’s natural beauty. Removing unsightly decks that shroud the island reveals natural rock. Through this Birnbeck will be restored as a phenomenal habitat – a complimentary alternative to the town’s busy seafront, creating a place where people can explore rock pools, bird watch or simply sit and watch the sunset. Historic buildings will be restored and two linear buildings will sit on retained concrete pads, elevated above the rock in response to the natural environment that remains the dominant force. A range of residential leisure accommodation is suggested, while on the land a terrace of town houses will provide essential development revenue.”
Judges comment: “Good rationale, well considered scheme, liked the thought process.”
MOH Architects, Vienna
“The site conjures a common architectural dilemma: How can one amalgamate the antagonising spatial qualities of an iconic figure with those of unobstructed open space? Our proposal aspires to overcome the dichotomy and suggests a spatial composition where the open space is modulated such that it becomes the icon itself, rather than the built space in a traditional figure-ground composition. We suggest a model that acknowledges the necessity for an icon in order to foster the attractiveness of the region and yet, responds to the existing qualities of the site, the historic fabric and the subsequent size constraints.”
Judges comment: “Beautiful presentation, thought provoking scheme, liked the form.”
Pierre d’Avoine Architects / White Young Green Planning & Design, Cardiff
“We propose revitalising Birnbeck Island by reconceiving it as a big building in the form of a small island and renaming it Pleasure Holm, making three islands in the Bristol Channel off Weston-super-Mare - Steep Holm, Flat Holm and Pleasure Holm. The external envelope would be designed to look like a natural land formation and to function as a habitat for flora and fauna. Inside, a range of uses including luxurious flats, horizon deck and data centre could be programmed within this flexible 100,000 sq m development, which is rich in potential and largely carbon-neutral for its energy needs.”
Judges comment: “Very clever use of the natural form, very dynamic, high-impact scheme.”
Richards Partington Architects, London
“A striking inhabited ‘pier’ on the south of the island will become the desirable enclave for thinkers, creators, innovators and entrepreneurs. An exemplar of sustainability - a series of autonomous, carbon neutral dwellings (permanent and temporary) will hover above the high tide mark. A public space will integrate new building with the restored legacy of times past (reinterpreted as workshops, studios and galleries - places for creating, exhibiting and marketing). New development on the mainland will sustain the ambition of the aspiring, the unconventional and the motivated. Fantastic views, exemplary design and turbulent landscape will create a new quarter for dwelling, working, recreation and exuberance. A series of terraced parkland structures will connect the existing town with the new quarter and the island. Housing for all - the affluent, the solvent and the dependent will elevate the idea of ‘dwelling’ above the tawdry, familiar archetype that is the ‘semi-d’ of Weston-super-Mare.”
Judges comment: “The boards presented a lovely night-time image, well thought through scheme which had given careful thought to all aspects such as levels and low-tide impact.”
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