Roundwood Design were commissioned to design and build a beaver lookout and woodland classroom just north of Plymouth. The hide plays an important role in the observation of local wildlife - enabling effective education about flora and fauna in the surrounding woodland.

Built on a steep muddy slope in a woodland, access was tricky and the client wanted a minimal ground work. We built the frame on the slope with small concrete pad foundations.

The brief was to give maximum viewing area for large groups of people. Timber frames are ideal for this as they leave a lot of space for glass, in this case fourteen full height windows constructed in 10mm laminated safety glass.

The roof is EPDM rubber which has a service life of over 50 years (or longer if covered to protect from UV). We have added old car tyres filled with soil around the edge as well as rotting logs. Further organic matter will be allowed to accumulate over time creating a green roof entirely suited to its environment.