Oak Shelter

Eryri National Park | 2024

The Gwersyll y Bryniau Scouts Shelter in Eryri National Park was designed with and for the Montgomeryshire Scouts. They intend to use the structure as a part of their campsite, raising hammocks off the ground, and working under cover when the rain bites to support Scouts outdoor activities.

The project was delivered in partnership with Coed Lleol – an organisation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people across Wales through woodland and nature-based activities. They will use the building and setting as an Outdoor Health Hub for the region as one of three new Woodland Hubs being developed by Coed Lleol across Wales.

The Gwersyll y Bryniau Scouts Shelter & Outdoor Health Hub will be used to meet the needs of local communities for social prescribing, community activity, training and skills development; whilst improving and protecting the local environment and Welsh landscape. The indoor-outdoor building will be used multiply and flexibly by a range of organisations and individuals who have an affinity with the natural world.

The building comprises an Oak timber frame with Douglas Fir rafters and a slate roof. The timber frame is connected to the ground using stainless steel shoes; less for supporting the weight of the building, than restraining it from uplift due to the absence of walls. The new structure in the Eryri National Park is located on the remains of an historic outdoor swimming pool which makes it a brownfield rather than greenfield development. The clerestory roof of the building allows light and air to penetrate the building interior.