Collaboration Blossoms into Westonbirt's Stunning Community Shelter - A Testament to Many Hands!

The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire recently unveiled a new community shelter with an organic design. Dubbed the Coppice Workers' Shelter, this unique structure is the result of a collaborative effort between Invisible Studio architects, timber experts Xylotek, volunteers from Forestry England, and members of various community groups. Despite its technical intricacies, the project was successfully completed with the active involvement of individuals with varying abilities. 

The end result is a shelter that not only fits in harmoniously with its surroundings in the woods but also promotes inclusivity and offers a safe space for all. This successful project serves as a testament to the power of nature and co-creation.

The structure of the shelter is composed of trees that were intended for removal from Westonbirt's collection as part of the routine management of its woodland, as well as reused aluminium signage from various locations within the site. This demonstrates that the use of locally grown and sourced timber can lead to a minimal carbon footprint for the project.

From the very beginning, the design process of the structure involved a great deal of participation and interaction. The community groups were engaged at every stage of the project through the use of various techniques such as sketches, small models, digital scanning, large-scale mock-ups, and onsite fabrication. To cater to the diverse skillsets of the participants, the shelter was designed in a way that allowed everyone to participate in traditional green timber carpentry techniques. This included activities such as steam bending, laminating, and shingle making, which was all used to construct the unique structure.  

The shelter's unique and creative shape, resembling a hyperbolic paraboloid, provides both protection from the elements and opportunities to appreciate the surrounding woodland. Although its appearance may seem improvised, it was intentionally designed to allow for inclusive design and provide a non-restrictive space for its users. This will instil a sense of ownership and pride among the community using the shelter, while also empowering those who participated in its construction to tackle future projects with a positive outlook.

Piers Taylor, Director, Invisible Studio:

“The Community Shelter was conceived as a truly collaborative project, playing to the strengths of a wider team that has worked together on multiple innovative and award-winning projects both at Westonbirt (with the Tree Management Centre) and also with projects at Hooke Park and elsewhere. The shelter was won as a joint bid between Invisible Studio and Xylotek, and set up so that many others from a variety of community groups would work alongside the consultants on every aspect of the project, creating something ultimately far greater than a project from a single hand.”

Martin Self, Diretor, Xylotek:

"It’s been a privilege for Xylotek to work with the Westonbirt team and the community groups on this project. It’s been amazing to see how a complex wood structure can be realised with mixed-skill community teams - reinventing techniques normally done in high-tech factories rather than deep in the woods.”

Jude Shackell, Apperley Centre, said:

“The real life, interesting, fun and perceived 'riskiness' of the shelter build has been hugely motivating for the members of our group. While sometimes a bit anxious about the tools, they have all had tremendous fun and learnt so much. They are moving on eager to learn more and try new things in all areas of their life.”

The community shelter has been funded through generous donations from a range of sources including individuals and grants, Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum charity and investment from Forestry England.

 

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Cover photo ©Piers Taylor