Julia Wesenlund Graduate Landscape Architecture Portfolio
Contents 1_Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland 2_Otep채채, Estonia a_Landscape Character Assessment Extract b_Capacity Report Extract c_Recreation Design Project 3_Construction Details 4_Model Making 5_Other Projects 6_Artwork
1_Glenshee Ski Centre
1_Introduction This site resides within the Cairngorms National Park surrounded by a number of designated areas - Special Areas of Scientific Interest, National Scenic Areas - and is a Special Protected Area for the Golden Eagle. This fragile ecosystem and its beautiful montane habitat are at odds with the infrastructure of the ski centre. There is a distinctly different visitor experience throughout the year as the seasons change; busy, noisy and exciting in winter, empty, unsettling and quiet in summer. This seasonal fluctuation also affects the financial sustainability of the ski centre. The aim of this project is to address this seasonal fluctuation and enhance the visitor experience all year round by changing the character of this landscape whilst taking into account the site’s fragile ecosystem. Ultimately the project strives to provide a solution where recreation and the natural environment can successfully cohabit.
1_Context Cairngorms National Park
Glenshee ski centre
1_Site Analysis_Physical Landscape
Anthroprogenic Recreation
Wind Direction
Prevailing wind: SE Average annual Temp:3째C Average annual wind speed: 21kts Buildings
Vegetation
Mostly Upland Heath. Some Rough Grassland in higher areas.
Hydrology
Small burn network that runs either North into the River Dee or South into the River Ardle
Topography
From about 500m-1068m at Glas Maol Three munros (over 900):The Cairnwell, Carn Aosda and Glas Maol,
Soils
Coarse grits and soils of low fertility, deficient in calcium and nitrogen.
Geology
The main Cairngorms plateau is formed from granite.
Hard Surfaces
Access
Landscape Base
Ecology & Recreation conflicts An increase in Nitrogen deposits from traffic pollution leads to a reduction in fragile flowering plants.
Reseeding and piste preparation reduces species richness.
Trampling, piste preparation and snow mould on fencing leads to more hardy species such as mat grass outcompeting those that are more fragile. Skiing, hillwalking and construction cause damage to sensitive heather.
R e s e e d i n g increases the presence of grazing animals such as roe deer, sheep and mountain hares.
Disturbance from skiing reduces the numbers of ptarmigan, black grouse and rare dotterell. The cables from ski lifts also present an obstacle for birds in flight.
Disturbance reduces the presence of birds of prey such as the Golden Eagle
Increased littering from visitors attracts scavenger birds that have been known to steel ptarmigan eggs.
1_Site Analysis_Experiential Landscape Character Assessment
Urban settlement with surrounding forest
Valley with meandering burn
Montane heath valley
Upper montane heath with rocky escarpments
Montane heath with few settlements and forest patches
Woodland and hills
Farmland and hills
Urban settlement with surrounding forest
Fragmented
Fragmented
Open
Emotion through Motion Emotion mapping - personal account of emotional changes whilst driving to Glenshee
Positive emotions strongly associated with open landscapes
Closed
1_Programming Current Ski
Mountain Bike
Hill Walking
Proposed New Mountain Bike Trails
Improved Walking Paths
Krummholz Restoration
1_Masterplan
Forestry Commission Trail Grading The Glenshee Krummholz Project Restoration of the krummholz or montane scrub woodland. Species Include: Pinus sylvestris Sorbus aucuparia Betula pubescens
Gaelic names have been chosen for all the trails. Translations are below: Glas - green (of grass and trees) Gorm - Blue/Blue-green Dearg - Red/Reddish Dubh - Blackness/Darkness Aosda - named after the Munro meaning ‘aged’ Dearg & Glas trail Aosda Trail Existing Gorm trail
Dubh Trail
Juniperus communis ssp communis Betula nana Salix lapponum Salix mrysinifolia Salix phylisifolia Increasing altitude: Decreasing density Masterplan shows the spread of montane scrub woodland after a period of 50-100 years.
1_The Krummholz Effect Ecological Benefits The Glenshee Krummholz Project aims to recreate an extensive tract of montane scrub woodland in and around the Glenshee ski area. The aim is to enrich the visitor experience by providing a sequence of varied experiences within the recreational landscape as well as increasing biodiversity of flora and fauna present in the area before human activities became dominant. The woodland will not be exploited commercially and human impact will be carefully managed within this heavily used environment. It is hoped that the krummholz will demonstrate that recreation and the natural environment can coexist successfully.
D E C R E A S I N G
Improved snow holding characteristics of ski slopes – ultimately it should be able to replace snow fencing
I N C R E A S I N G
Ferns, mosses and lichens also inhabit these more sheltered
Shelter from increased woodland
Gerenium sylvaticum and Trollius europaeus and other tall herbs
Increased in voles, mice and shrews
The rare sowthistle
The scrub would not hinder golden eagles which could still hunt among the sparse scrub and might benefit from
Prevent erosion, run-off and leaching
Channel visitors unobtrusively, helping to reduce erosion beside paths
alpine could
The Black Grouse, which is currently in serious decline in Scotland, The scrub would provide a home or migrant feeding areas and breeding grounds for a number of birds that are currently
“The gnarly little trees were twisted as if cultivated by deranged bonsai gardeners…..Thus the name Krummholz, German for ‘crooked wood’ or perhaps ‘elfin wood’ – the zone where trees first managed to take advantage of the soilbuilding work of fellfields and alpine meadows. Treelimit.” (Green Mars, Kim Stanley Robinson)
Summer
Autumn
Winter
1_Krummholz Planting Enclosures 1 & 3
Enclosure 2
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1. 647-652m. N facing. Burn. 4% slope. 0.4ha 3. 657-660m. N facing. Burn. 2% slope. 0.6ha
Betula Pubescens
Pinus Sylvestris
Sorbus Aucuparia
Natural Heath understorey
The development of montane scrub at Glenshee will replicate that of Ben Lawers where enclosures have been established each containing a different mix of species. In most of the enclosures species will be propagated from surviving specimens native to the area and planted in varying densities. One of the enclosures will be left to develop naturally. The reason for this method is to assess the varying successes of different species. The enclosures have been chosen to have a mix of altitude, aspect and water presence. They are also located in areas where fencing is already part of the landscape so minimum visual disruption is necessary.
2. 670-685m. E facing. Burn. 11% slope. 1.7ha
Juniperus communis ssp. communis
Betula nana
Natural Heath understorey
Enclosure 4
4. 670-730m. E facing. Burn through part of Betula site. 46% slope. 2.6ha Pubescens
Enclosures 5 & 6
Pinus Sylvestris
Sorbus Aucuparia
Juniperus communis ssp. communis
5. 645-665m. S facing. Burn through part of site. 28% slope. 3.5ha. 6. 630-720m. SE facing. Burn through part of site. 24% slope. 3ha.
Betula Pubescens
Pinus Sylvestris
Sorbus Aucuparia
Populus Tremula
1_Visualisations
2_Otep채채, Estonia a_
Lanscape Character Assessment Extract
Landscape Character Assessment
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Communications
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Settlement
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Landcover
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Hydrology
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Topography
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Soil
A key part of our analysis was overlaying the landscape layers seen to the left. The map above shows four of these layers. This process was used to identify similarities and differences in the landscape across the entire study area. Once these marked out we began the process of defining our Landscape Character Types and areas within those types.
Landscape Character Assessment
Landscape Character Key Rolling Patchwork of Arable Field and Woodland High Density Forest
D e f i n i n
Undulating Agricultural Land Wooded Mosaic with Arable Land and Open Fields Arable Farmland with Larger Settlements Patchwork of Forest, Open Land and Fields
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Heavily Wooded with Few Farmsteads
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Undulating Farmland Mosaic
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Settlement Clusters and Water Features in Open
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Urban Settlement with Recreation Led Suburbs Arable and Pastoral Mosaic with Kettle Lakes Wooded and Pastoral Mosaic with Kettle Lakes Undulating Woodland Patchwork Developed Lakeside
y p e s
Holy Lake and Lakeside Peat Mining Area Ribbon Lakes and Banks Flat Agricultural Plain
Landscape Character
P ü h a j ä r v e
Arable & Open Field Mosaic
type
Dominant Landcover and Landscape Elements: • • Arable Farmland • Large and Small Farmsteads • Open Fields • Undulating Lowland • Small Kettle Lakes • Wetland Areas • Tarmac Roads • Dirt Tracks • Tarmac Cycle & Footpaths
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Physical Description: Undulating lowland where arable farmland and open pasture are interspersed with patches of woodland from small deciduous clumps to larger areas of mixed woodland. Fen soils exists where the land is flatter. On higher land there is a mosaic of gley soil, eroded scree soil, scree soil and dilluvial soil. A kettle lake and wetlands are present on flat land where it is less populated and there is higher woodland density. Settlement is a mix of farm buildings and smaller houses close to the main road arteries. Most of the roads are tarmac and provide even access across the area. Visual Description: Large scale open landscape with few enclosed areas. More diverse in the east where there are two kettle lakes and the ladscape pattern becomes more patchy with less arable and more wooded areas. Overall rolling form with angular landcover pattern at odds with the curved line of the topography. Pattern is fairly regular before becoming less formal in the flatter, wetter areas. Condition: Mostly farmed land. Well maintained roads and paths. Forces for Change: Close to Otepää and Pühajärv so vulnerable to expansion of settlement though farming is limited to its current location due to soil type. Managment Options: Possible protection of the wetland areas. Monitor development in the south-east areas that are nearest to Pühajärv.
Landscape Character Type 8 Pühajärve Area Distinguishing Features: •
Kukemäe Special Management Zone
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Camping Site near Neitsijärv Soil
Topography
Hydrology
Landcover
Communication
Settlement
Landscape Character Type 11
PN i ü l p k l u i s e
Arable and Pastoral Mosaic with Kettle Lakes Dominant Landcover and Landscape Elements: • • • • • • •
Undulating Hills Arable Land Pastoral Land Open Fields Woodland Large Kettle Lakes Tarmac Roads
Physical Description: Undulating hills with mixed soil cover. A mosaic of arable and pastoral land with a few scattered open fields and woodland throughout. Prominant water features are in this landscape type with large kettle lakes, streams and wetland areas. There is a combination of tarmac roads and dirt tracks and the areas are moderately populated with farmsteads. Visual Description: Large scale open landscape with intimate, more enclosed areas around lakesides and populated areas. High diversity, making this a pleasant area to spend time in. Rough and smooth textures of the hydrological features and the wooded landscape combine with rolling forms of the topography to create a harmonious balance. The landscape is calm and colour are muted, all from a natural palette. Condition: Areas of farmed land and evidence of recreational activity. Forces for Change: In winter the landscape would be affected by increased recreation in certain areas which might put pressure on infrastructure. Managment Options: Potential for tourism development as already affected by anthropogenic processes. Lakes are likely to be an attraction and should be managed accordingly.
Landscape Character Type 11 Pilkuse Area Distinguishing Features: • Lüüsjärve Special Management Zone • Kaarna Järve • Pilkuse Järv
Soil
Topography
Hydrology
Landcover
Communication
Settlement
Landscape Character Type 11 Nüpli Area Distinguishing Features: • • • • •
Nüpli Järv Väika Munamägi Hill with Observation Tower Camping Site Snowmobile Rental Centre Slalom Ski Slope Soil
Topography
Communication
Landcover
Hydrology
Settlement
Landscape Value Assessment
Very Low
Area
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Low
Genius Loci
Medium
Picturesqueness 4
Unity
4
High
Diversity
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Intrigue/ Mystery 3
Very High
Calmness
Colour
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Score
4
GENIUS LOCI
The spirit of the place.
PICTURESQUENESS
The overall visual impact of the scenery.
UNITY
Unity pertains to the overall picture of a landscape. Unity has been achieved when the viewer senses that all the individual elements of a landscape fit together to form a coherent theme.
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INTRIGUE/ Does the landscape have any unexpected elements that MYSTERY might make the area more exciting and interesting? Is there a sense of mystery to the place. CALMNESS A measure of how peaceful the landscape is. COLOUR
This refers to the dominant colours of fields,woodlands, the built environment and other landscape elements. It includes any notable seasonal effects due to farming activity and seasonal change.
‘Landscape value is concerned with the relative value that is attached to different landscapes. In a policy context the usual basis for recognising certain highly valued landscapes is through the application of a local or national landscape designation. Yet a landscape may be valued by different communities of interest for many different reasons without any formal designation, recognising, for example, perceptual aspects such as scenic beauty, tranquillity or wildness; special cultural associations; the influence and presence of other conservation interests; or the existence of a consensus about importance, either nationally or locally.’ (SNH)
2_Otep채채, Estonia B_ Capacity Report Extract
Capacity Analysis
Introduction
‘Many Landscape Character Assessments will be used to help indecisions about the ability of an area to accommodate change, either as a result of new development, or some other form of land use change, such as the introduction of new features, or major change in land cover such as new woodland planting. In these circumstances judgements must be based on an understanding of the ability of the landscape to accommodate change without significant effects on its character. Criteria for what constitutes significant change need to be identified in planning policies or landscape strategies, and will usually be informed by potential effects on character and/or particular features and elements.’ In this report we are using the Landscape Character Assessment as a tool for calculating tourism and recreation capacity in Otepää, Estonia. A number of criteria have been identified to be used in conjunction with the landscape value outcomes of the character assessment. The Landscape value is concerned with the relative value that is attached to different landscapes whereas landscape capacity refers to the degree to which a particular landscape character type or area is able to accommodate change without significant effects on its character, or overall change of landscape character type. The follow pages explain our approach to calculating capacity. In order for the assessment and its subsequent use as a design tool to be accountable the rationale behind our judgements and calculations has been clarified. Our capacity calculation was based on the following equation: Sensitivity + Pressure = Capacity In the case of Otepää, Estonia, the capacity results are used to determine each area’s suitability for development of tourism and recreation. Our calculations for sensitivity and pressure were established using information previously collected and analysed including landscape value, landscape basics, culture, recreation, wildlife and conservation and tourism statistics.
Capacity Analysis
Methodology Data Used
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Identify Criteria for Measureing Sensitivity
Score each Criteria
Apply a Score between 1 and 5
Calculate the Avergae and Add Weighting to certain Criteria
Calculate Ranges to Apply a Sensitivity to and Create Map
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Identify Criteria for Measureing Pressure
Score each Criteria
Apply a Score between 1 and 5
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Calculations
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Calculate the Calculate Ranges Avergae and Add to Apply a Pressure Weighting to to and Create Map certain Criteria OTEPÄÄ NATURE PARK SPORTS’ ACTIVITY MAP
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LEGEND (Tracks/Trails) Nature protection area border Apteekri hill Apteekri hill 3,4 km running trail
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Apteekri hill 6,2 km running trail Apteekri hill hiking trail Pühajärve surroundings Otepää-Kääriku sports road
LEGEND (Places) 9
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Create Matrix Using Sensitivity and Pressure Results
Represent Information on a Capacity Map
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Identify Suitability Document Capacity and Suitability of Criteria Each Area
Old roller skiing road Pühajärve hiking trail Murrumetsa hiking trail
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Tehvandi staadion Ski jumping tower Apteekri hill Pühajärve Park/Football stadyum Kääriku Sports centre Kuutsemäe Sports centre Väike Munamägi Otepää Adventure park Sihva Sports hall Otepää Sports hall Pühajärve Holiday centre Gym/Spa Linnamäe snowtubing hill Ansomäe snowtubing hill Skate park Pühajärve Park exercise course Andu Holiday centre
Tehvandi Sports centre related Tartu Maraton skiing track Tartu Maraton running track (23 km) Tartu Maraton cycling track (89 km) Elion Estonian Cup track (50 km) Elion hiking trail (38 km) Training and competition track 3,75 km Hiking trail 10 km Kääriku Sports center Kekkose skiing/hiking trail Lake trail Running trail (5 km)
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The 채gestiku Capacity Map
In combining the Sensitivity and Pressure maps we were able to come up with the matrix below to determine the capacity of an area. The Table demonstrates the outcome for each area and the map was created for a more coherent visual. These results will be analysed in the context o each individual area for the remainder of this report.
Capacity Analysis Capacity Area 1a 1b 1c 1d 1e 1f 2a 2b 2c 2d 2e 3 4 5a 5b 5c 5d 6a 6b 6c 6d 6e 6f 6g 7 8 9 10 11a 11b 12a 12b 12c 13a 13b 13c 13d 14 15 16 17 18
Sensitivity Very High Medium High Very high Low Low Very High High Medium Medium High Very Low Medium Very Low Low Very Low Medium Low Medium Low Low Low Low Low High Low Very Low High High Medium Medium Very High Medium High Medium Medium Medium Very High Very High Low Very High Very Low
Pressure Low Very Low Medium Very Low Low Very Low Very Low Very Low High Very Low Very Low Very Low Very Low Low Very Low Very Low Low Very Low High Very Low Very Low Low Low Very Low Very Low Medium Low Very High Very High Very Low Medium High Very Low Low Low Very Low Very Low High Low Very Low Low Low
Capacity Very Low Medium Low Very Low High High Very Low Low Medium Medium Low Very High Medium High High Very High Medium High Medium High High High High High Low High High Very Low Very Low Medium Medium Very Low Medium Low Medium Medium Medium Very Low Very Low High Very Low High
Capacity Analysis Capacity & Suitability
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Capacity Classification: Capacity Very High
High
Medium
Low
Very Low
Development High density settlement and accommodation. Opportunity for large infrastructure and buildings (eg. Hotels Spas) Fairly high density settlement and accommodation. Family holiday cabins with facilities for children & parents. A few scattered settlements or accommodation. Small wooden cabins or larger campsites with facilities Little settlement or accommodation. Small wild camping areas suitable No settlement or accommodation.
Recreation Potential for Intensive Recreational activity including large sports centres. National and international sports events.
Landscape Changes can impact on the existing landscape without compromising its ecological state and landscape quality.
Recreation sub-centre with activities such as adventure parks, multiuse sports fields, smaller sports and cultural events. Smaller scale activities to accompany cabins and campsites such as hiking trails.
Visible changes without dominating the existing landscape.
Low intensity activities. Local hiking trails and nature trails.
With minimal changes to the existing landscape.
No built recreation.
No changes allowed to the existing landscape.
Visible changes that complement the existing landscape
Capacity Analysis Mägestiku Sensitivity: Low Ecology: 8 Protected Species, 1 SMZ Geophysical: Medium soil, hydrology and topographical sensitivity Culture: None Landscape Quality: Low
Capacity: High
Pressure: Medium Recreation: Murrumetsa Hiking Trail Culture: None Accommodation: c. 205 beds Settlement: Medium Density Communication: Medium Density
The topography here does not favour downhill skiing but cross country skiing, snowtubing and sledging could be a winter alternative.
Sensitivity: Very Low Ecology: Nothing of Special Interest Geophysical: High Hydrological Sensitivity Culture: None Landscape Quality: Low
Capacity: Very High
There is potential for development here. Suitable sports range from hiking and swimming to more intensive activities that require specialist infrastructure such as an adventure park or a climbing wall.
Kääriku/ Sihva/ Märdi
Pressure: Low Recreation: Elion Estonian Cup Track, Elion Hiking Trail, Maraton Hiking Trail Culture: None Accommodation: c.15 beds Settlement: High Density Communication: Medium Density
Scope for more extensive development here, a few of the key trails run through but the very low sensitivity means that more hard recreation should perhaps be considered for the area. Motorcross could take place here, or a large adventure trail. including high ropes course, climbing wall and mountain biking. Sports pitches or indoor sports halls to compliment the Tehvandi Sport Centre could be built in this area which is also conveniently close to Otepää town.
Sihva Sensitivity: High Ecology: 3 Protected Species, 1 SMZ Geophysical: Topography has highest sensitivity Culture: II World War memorial, Otepää New cemetery, Otepää parsonage building, Otepää Maarja Lutheran Church, Kunimägi hill, Otepää stronghold and city ruins, Otepää rectory/ Kerkuwald Landscape Quality: Medium Pressure: Very High Recreation: Elion Estonian Cup Track, Elion Hiking Trail, All three Maraton Trails, Tehvandi Sports Centre, Otepää Adventrue Park, Snowtubing Hill, Skate Park, Otepää Sports Hall Culture: As above Accommodation: c. 250 beds Settlement: Very High Density Communication: Very High Density
Capacity: Very Low The pressure in the Otepää area is already very high, this combined with high sensitivity due to three protected species and many cultural sites means that there is little room for more recreation and attractions. For this area, rather than add to the pressure, the focus should be on improving and maintaining the current amenities and attractions. Cultural sites should be protected and as Otepää is the starting point of the three Maratons, any new such trails and events should consider using a different area for their focus.
Capacity Analysis Mägestiku Sensitivity: High Ecology: 3 Protected Species, 2 Protected Single Species Geophysical: Topography has very high sensitivity Culture: Cemetary Landscape Quality: High
Kääriku/ Sihva/ Märdi
Pressure: Very High Recreation: Maraton Cycling Track, Maraton Skiing Track, Elion Estonian Cup Track, Elion Hiking Trail, Part of tehvandi Sports Centre, Old Roller Skiing Road, Ansomäe snowtubing hill, Väike Munamägi, camping, Snowmobile rental Culture: Cemetary Accommodation: c. 170 beds Settlement: Very High Density Communication: High Density
Sensitivity: Medium Ecology: 2 Protected Species, 1 SMZ Geophysical: Topography has very high sensitivity Culture: Pilkuse manor Landscape Quality: High Pressure: Very Low Recreation: None Culture: Pilkuse manor Accommodation: c.40 beds Settlement: Low Density Communication: Low Density
Capacity: Very Low This area is only suitable for low impact soft recreation such as swimming, road cycling on existing roads networks, hiking on existing trails and in low numbers. This is mainly due to the already well developed tourist and recreation infrastructure combined with the high sensitivity. Here again, the focus should be on managing the existing amenities for long term sustainability.
Capacity: Medium This medium capacity zone is suitable for sports such as mountain biking, cross country skiing, health trails, zip wires and disc golf. These should implemented on a small to medium scale so that any visible changes compliment the existing landscape. Lakes in this area can be used for non-motorised boating. Other medium capacity sports such as paintballing should be avoided in this area because of the high landscape quality.
Sihva Sensitivity: Medium Ecology: 2 Protected Species Geophysical: Topography and Hydrology have high sensitivity Culture: None Landscape Quality: Very High Pressure: Medium Recreation: Golf Course Culture: None Accommodation: None Settlement: Low Density Communication: Low Density
Capacity: Medium A substantial part of this area is already a golf course which should be considered when introducing more activities to the area despite it being a medium capacity area. The Landscape Quality is very high so recreational activities should not leave a visible mark on the landscape. Suitable options would be horseback riding, fishing, swimming or boating in the lakes, hiking and cycling trails. A sauna might suit this location due to the picturesque lakes but any accommodation would have to be in the form of small cabins or campsites.
Capacity Analysis Summary In quantifying the capacity and analysing each area individually according to it’s particular attributes we are able to determine potential sites within the Otepaa Municipality where development for tourism and recreation could take place but also the areas where development should be avoided. In general the areas of high ecological importance have turned out to have the lowest capacity for development and their ecological value should be upheld. This is not necessarily to say that visitors should be kept out of these areas altogether. It can be beneficial to promote the biodiversity of these locations to ensure their safekeeping in the long run, but a very sensitive approach should be taken. Other areas of low capacity include the developed region around the town of Otepaa where pressure is already high and the current appealing character of this landscapee is at risk if more pressure from tourism is added. There is, however, great scope for development in the medium to high capacity areas which make up for over half of the municipality’s landscape character areas. A number or recreational activities such as fishing, hiking and health trails do not have a huge impact on the landscape and are a well suited to areas of medium capacity. More intensive activities such as adventure parks have been suggested for the high capacity areas. The sports halls and stadiums that require a lot of infrastructure are restriced to the two areas that have been designated very high capacity status.
2_Otep채채, Estonia C_ Design Project
2_Site Context Otepää’s Charm The Otepää Municipality is renowned for the range of sports and activities is has to offer its visitors. A world class cross country ski destination and host to the Tartu Cycling, Running and Ski Marathon annually, the area attracts many sport tourists in the peak seasons of summer and winter. Otepää offers tourists a stunning natural environment in which to explore or simply relax in. Who visits otepää? Otepää’s main visitors are Estonians followed by the Finns and the Russians. Ideally any potential project will appeal to local and international tourists. A lack of cohesion? From surveying local businesses it transpires that many think there is a lack of interaction between the various companies operating in the area and as a result of the recreation facilities are underuti-
The Otepää Log Cabin Project intends to give Otepää a much needed identity using a network of cabins spread throughout the municipality that are connected by existing and new trails. The trails will link areas previously unconnected and open up more recreation opportunities as well as encouraging existing recreational sites to ‘buy into’ the new Otepää identity. There are four different types of cabin: Luxury Cabin, Large Rustic Cabin, Small Rustic Cabin and Mini Cabin. The cabins offer different experiences thereby attracting a wide range of visitors. All cabin locations have been selected for their unique and picturesque landscapes, they are also all South facing in areas where the sun has access. In areas established as low capacity the cabins selected are the rustic cabins with a low footprint to protect the area. The office for the Otepää Log Cabin Project is in Otepää town and keys for the overnight cabins are collected here. Visitors pay to stay in luxury cabins but the rustic cabins are free provided a small deposit is paid before use to be returned on leaving.
2_Locate & Link
Kaarna Cabin Luxury Cabin Large Rustic Small Rustic Hydrology & Existing Trails
Potential Cabin Sites
Final Sites Selected
2_Otepää Luxury Cabin/ Luksuslik Majake
2_Plan
Luxury Cabin/ Luksuslik 6 Beds with sheets provided Fully Equipped Kitchen Open plan Kitchen/Sitting Room area Shower Room Wood fired outdoor jacuzzi Odourless Composting Toilet Woodburner Decking with loungers Picnic Table Campfire area Sauna in all lakeside locations Bike and Ski Rack
These cabins are available to rent through the Otepää Log Cabin Office or Website. A member of staff is available to transport any luggage to arrive at the cabin before the visitor or to carry to another cabin if needed. All cabins are well equipped and a staff member is always close at hand for any additional requirements. Logs are located on the sheltered decking in front of the cabin. These are replenished for each visitor, however, there is also a fully stocked wood shed for those particularly cold winter months! The decking outside the cabin (and on the jetty in the case of Kaarna Cabin) is coated in a non-slip finish but salt is also provided for use if necessary.
Rustic Cabin (Large)/Maama6 Beds, can sleep 2 more on floor in sitting room area Relaxing area with table & chairs, sheepskin blankets and small food preparation surface Small Refrigerator Shower Room Odourless Composting Toilet Wood-burner BBQ area Bike and Ski Rack
These cabins are available to stay in for free for one night. Visitors can pay to stay on more nights (often not possible during peak seasons) or they can move on to another of these cabins providing the chosen cabin is available and can stay free of charge in the new cabin for one night and so on. Note that these cabins do no have electricity and lighting is by tilley lamp only. Matches & fuel is provided but the visitor is advised to bring their own supply. Logs are replenished weekly by Otepää Log Cabin staff. Visitors are provided with a BBQ area for food preparation but should bring their own small camping stove if required.
Rustic Cabin (Small)/ Maama2 Beds, can sleep 2 more on floor in sitting room area Relaxing area with table & chairs, sheepskin blankets and small food preparation surface Small Refrigerator Shower Room Odourless Composting Toilet Wood-burner BBQ area Bike and Ski Rack
These cabins are available to stay in for free for one night. Visitors can pay to stay on more nights (often not possible during peak seasons) or they can move on to another of these cabins providing the chosen cabin is available and can stay free of charge in the new cabin for one night and so on. Note that these cabins do no have electricity and lighting is by tilley lamp only. Matches & fuel is provided but the visitor is advised to bring their own supply. Logs are replenished weekly by Otepää Log Cabin staff. Visitors are provided with a BBQ area for food preparation but should bring their own small camping stove if required.
Mini Cabin/ Kämpingumajake Seating for up to 10 people Outdoor Odourless Composting Toilet BBQ area Bike and Ski Rack
These cabins are located along the trails. They are available to anyone for shelter and for preparing a light meal whilst trekking, skiing or cycling in the Otepää municipality. A key is not need for use of these cabins. Visitors are advised to leave the cabin in the same clean and tidy state they found it in! Note that these cabins do no have electricity so visitors are asked to bring their own lighting if they think they will need it. Tilley lamps can be obtained from the office in Otepää by leaving a deposit throughout the winter. Logs are replenished weekly by Otepää Log Cabin staff. Visitors are provided with a BBQ area for food preparation but should bring their own small camping stove if required.
Welcome to Kaarna Cabin/Tere tulemast Kaarna kämpingusse The location of these luxury cabins has been carefully selected so that the visitor experiences some of the most beautiful scenery in Otepää without compromising the comfort and quality of their stay. Access to Kaarna Cabin is by boat and either skis or skidoo when the lake is frozen over. The visitor is not to ski on the lake before checking with the Otepää Log Cabin team that it is safe. The helpful Log Cabin team try to inform visitors before they arrive of the suitable access method but this can also be done using the Otepää Log Cabin app or over the phone. The boat with the option of using oars or the outboard is free to use throught the duration of stay.
2_Connect All cabins are equipped with wifi to encourage connections between visitors
The Otep채채 app can be downloaded for free and all cabins can be booked through this app
Experiences can be shared through this app. Photos of your stay and ideas on where to visit.
Screen Shot of application logo on phone
Useful information such as cabin occupancy, weather and trail conditions are accessible through the app.
Screen Shot of application homepage on
2_Construct
Picnic Bench Made out of pine logs this picnic bench can seat up to 8 people and has a space to fit a wheelchair
Ski & Bike Rack Leave any skis of bike on the pine bike rack at the beginning of the path
Jetty Arrival by boat from the mainland and moor up on Island Jetty
3_Construction Details
3_Harlaw Reservoir Viewing Tower
4_Model Making
5_Other Projects
5_RHS & The One Show Competition
Competition to design a family-friendly garden, based on an 8m x 8m flat site, which
I began my design process by writing down words that reminded me of my family a relaxing, eating, celebrating, discovering, laughing, crying, growing, acting, commu remembered a story called The Happy Family by Hans Christian Anderson and beg communicate, explore and tell stories. The planting is inspired by a few of Anderson their variety of forms and colours. I have tried to include a lot of edible plants in my
There are raised vegetable beds made from reclaimed wood (old fencing perhaps drainage system from the house and into the pond in the far corner of the garden rock in the middle for sitting on, a contemplation space for time out from the family multifunctional bench area can be used for sunbathing, reading, outdoor performan
There is a food preparation and eating area with an outdoor kitchen space where all the picnic table which has a mini herb bed in the middle. I decided to move the eatin will fit under the sheltered area if/when the UK weather prevails.
h may be viewed by visitors from 2 or 3 sides.
and my childhood – togetherness, exploration, playing, learning, loving, fighting, unicating, storytelling. It was these last two words that gave me my inspiration. I gan thinking about a garden where a family of four with two young children could n’s stories as well as including plants that will hopefully inspire young minds with design and plants that attract insects, birds and bees.
s) with raised pools of water for easy watering that are all part of a sustainable n. This pond is surrounded by plants, with a path for exploring the edge and a y! Green walls act as a backdrop to the pond and the vegetables and a gabion nces.
l the delicious fresh produce can be washed/chopped/barbecued and served on ng area away from the house to make it more of an outdoor experience. The table
5_Perth - Public Art Strategy for Scotland Visualisations
6_Artwork