site journal

Jenny

Site Narrative

Situated in the slow pace of Pollok Country Park, along the banks of the White Cart Water, the old Stables Courtyard Complex will become a Caring Home for the elderly.

Built to service the Maxwell Pollok estate, the vernacular architecture of the Complex is embedded with a history of multifunction and structural reformation across the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Caring Home proposes its next purpose.

In a state of neglect and deterioration, the A, B and unlisted buildings require sensitive interventions that understand and enhance the site.

Location; Stables Courtyard Complex

Pollok Country Park

2060 Pollokshaws Road

Bellahouston

Glasgow G43 1AT

Atmosphere

Utilising the site and its context is a key facet of improving inhabitant well-being. Emphasising the therapeutic qualities of the sites historic buildings and natural surroundings aims to provide a reassuring and stimulating environment.

Connection between the interior and exterior is fundamental to the Caring Home, therefore, the atmosphere of site forms a central contribution towards the inhabitant experience.

Site atmosphere; Buildings;

- Low human proportions and domestic scale supports the intimacy of the Caring Home community.

- A threshold between feelings of villagelike protection, and exposure to the everchanging energy of seasonal elements.

Context;

- The invigorating sounds and smells of flowing water, wind through rustling trees, birdsong, people and families gathering permeate the Complex. This rich sensory experience enlivens the environment, and by extension its inhabitants.

Located at the heart of Pollok Country Park, the Complex is enveloped by nature while remaining close to the amenities of the city.

Location/Access

Urban context map showing the sites positioning within Pollok Country Park, encompassed by the city. Illustrating its transport connections, accessible by road, rail and pathways.

Ease of access to amenities aids in creating a sense of normality and independence for residents. Expanding their range of activities out-with the Caring Home Complex contributes to a fuller experience of life, reassuring for inhabitants and their loved ones.

Amenities;

Within the Park;

- Pollok House

- Burrell Collection

- Allotments

- Golf Club

Within walking/driving distance;

- Cafes/restaurants

- Shopping/retail

- Supermarkets

- Cinema - Library

- Medical centres and hospitals

- Schools

- Places of worship

- Other care homes

Mapping Site/Context

Site context map as existing, delineating the surrounding waterways, routes and greenspace. Proximate structures include public greenhouses and park maintenance ancillary buildings.

Walled Gardens to the North of the Complex. Above: November. Right: March

Mapping Site/ Boundary

Defining the spatial extent of existing buildings and greenspace that forms the Caring Home boundary.

Utilising all four buildings within the Complex allows for a holistic treatment of the spatial environment. Additionally creating opportunities for the separation of functions, while remaining easily accessible.

Extending the site boundary to include access to green-space, which may be overseen by staff, enables residents to safely enjoy the outdoors.

Scale/Volume;

The total area of internal space across the Complex is approximately 1606m2

The total area of external space across the Complex is approximately 6420m2.

1 - Former Stables; 1154m2 (Ground floor 708m2 , First floor 446m2)

2 - Courtyard; 820m2

3 - Former Chapel; 30m2

4 - Former Sawmill; 313m2

5 - Former Schoolhouse; 109m2

6 - Orchard; 5600m2

Construction

One

and two-storey Complex of outbuildings, formed of blonde ashlar and rubble sandstone, pitched slate roofs and single glazed paned timber sash windows.

Above; Pollok House View of Stables entryway, 1959. Right; Site observation, October 2022.

Finding Site

The investigation of potential buildings was led by the careful consideration of site priorities and preferences, allowing the convergence upon the ideal site for the Caring Home.

Site Priorities/ Preferences

Priorities;

Proximity and connection to nature

- Easy access to natural surroundings

Sensory - Proximity to water; auditory, visual, touch

- Proximity to trees and vegetation; auditory, visual, touch, smell

- Quiet, not too quiet; calm sounds, sounds of nature, away from sirens of motorway/main road noise

- Smells, fresh air and wind movement, ideally less polluted, exposure to elements

Authenticity

- Experience of naturally formed surroundings

Atmosphere

- Relaxed, calming, comforting (feelings of community, locals, visitors and family)

- Safety (people around)

History - Characterful building

- Historical site/culture/stories

Light - Access to natural light

Preferences;

Light

- South facing (or at least partially) is ideal

Atmosphere

- Non-commercial area (due to noise, lack of permanent occupation, lack of relaxation)

- Non-industrial area (due to noise, lack of permanent occupation, lack of relaxation)

Building

- Ideally have access to a garden

- Not too big/cavernous, mid/small size

- Ideally a courtyard

- Ideally a small complex of buildings

Location

- Amenities

- Transport/Accessibility

- Close to a park, that people can access easily

- Welcoming, leisurely atmosphere/ neighbourhood

- (Existing) neighbouring users - fairly busy with people, recreational users

Investigating Site

Navigating Glasgow's waterways, Apple's 3D map function allowed an overview of potential sites and their surroundings. Focusing upon buildings with an auditory connection to flowing water, through the presence of weirs, waterfalls or other natural features.

Travelling along; the River Clyde, River Kelvin, Forth and Clyde Canal, White Cart Water and Auldhouse Burn.

The wide watercourse of the Clyde is embedded with shipbuilding heritage. Mixed industrial, commercial and residential areas line either side of the river. Coupled with its seeming lack of auditory waterflow, these proved to not be ideal locations.

The Forth and Clyde Canal provides a visual link to water, however, as a manmade structure it lacks the authenticity of natural waterways. Poor auditory experience, surrounding industrial estates, gap sites and large residential estates ruled out the Canal.

The River Kelvin appeared to be enveloped mostly by tenement buildings, flowing through residential areas and Kelvingrove Park. Loudly flowing water is present in some areas. Although the River was a priority in finding potential sites, there proved to be few buildings of ideal scale and sufficiently quiet surroundings.

The White Cart Water winds its path to the Clyde, flowing through residential areas, green space and many of Glasgow's southern parks.

The presence of a weir adjoining a building within the old Stables Courtyard Complex provided an ideal sensory connection to water. Located at the centre of Pollok Country Park, the buildings are surrounded by nature. Weighed against site priorities and preferences, this was identified as the ideal site for the Caring Home.

Glasgow's waterways

Why is this the right Site?

The Stables Complex provides the potential to meet elderly residents needs for accessible connection to nature and people, through a comforting domestic scale environment.

Buildings Pros/ Opportunities;

- Characterful vernacular architecture with a history of multifunction and repurposing gives scope for proposed changes in typology and design interventions.

- Formed of natural, tactile materials that show the traces of the buildings history.

- Varied angles of orientation and low human proportions create a village-like feel, and opportunity for, varied spatial perspectives and visibility. Largely across ground-level, the Complex has scope to be easily accessible for those with mobility issues.

- Domestic scale is suggestive of home and normality, aiding in de-institutionalising the Caring Home environment.

- Detachment of buildings invites inhabitants to venture outside, creating potential separation between activities and reducing cabin fever.

- Scope to define site boundary, to expand or contract the number of buildings or land mass that is incorporated into the Caring Home.

Site Context Pros/ Opportunities;

- The Complex is embedded in the natural environment; surrounded by water, flora and fauna.

- Proximity of the White Cart Water, a weir and lade; contributing to sensory stimulation, and the sites rich acoustics. (Can utilise personal experience of my Manifesto project, "Wade", a well-being focused spa, at the ruins of the North Woodside Flint Mill).

- Open parkland and woodland provide a calm oasis within the city, while remaining within proximity to amenities.

- Leisurely atmosphere with a range of multi-generational users within the wider park; providing potential social interaction for Caring Home inhabitants.

- Park as a place of memory and comfort; memorials line surrounding pathways, suggestive of the life that is woven into the surroundings. Potential to explore the existing contemplation people find here, particularly important to inhabitants experiencing anxieties or loss.

Emotive response to Site

Connecting elderly inhabitants, who are often confined to the interior, to the reassurance and stimulation of people, nature and history through the careful selection of site aids in creating an environment where I'd feel comfortable creating a home for my own family.

Tensions/ Sensitivities

Understanding of the potential limitations of the site provide opportunities for the Caring Home proposal to sensitively meet the needs of inhabitants, the wider community and historic buildings.

Buildings Cons/ Sensitivities;

- Proportions of the buildings, the narrow nature of the courtyard buildings may be restrictive

- The scale of the buildings/ site may be too small

- A-listing of the courtyard and Chapel, B-listing of the Sawmill may be limiting

Initial/Potential Solutions;

(Capitalise on the long horizontal nature of the site, utilise large courtyard space or expand the site boundary to allow for larger gestural interventions)

(Adjust number of inhabitants, activities or expand site boundary)

(Opportunity to explore the challenge of conservation architecture and adaptive reuse, to sensitively enhance the fabric and stories of the building)

Site Context Cons/ Sensitivities;

- Separation of the site from the commercial city, demands a requirement to ensure easy and accessible connection to amenities

- Proposal may suggest a potential loss of public space, as the site was previously used as a visitor attraction

Initial/Potential Solutions;

(Opportunities for public transport/parking for mini buses to create access)

(Utilising the existing visiting public occupation of site as a way of creating social opportunities between inhabitants and the wider community. Finding a balance between public and private space)

Site History

The Stables Complex was built on the StirlingMaxwell family estate. In 1966 the family gifted the land and buildings of Pollok Country Park “for the benefit of the citizens of Glasgow.”.

Built to serve nearby Pollok House, the site is embedded within a hierarchical dynamic between upper and lower classes. The estate was funded by one of the most powerful landowning families in Renfrewshire, that gained much of their wealth through the exploitation of slaves. After the abolition of slavery in 1833, “the younger Archibald Stirling was awarded £12,517 in compensation (over £50 million in today’s money) for the 690 enslaved people across his estates”.

Sawmill and weir from the South bank of the White Cart Water, 1896

Site History/ Timeline

The Maxwell's are believed to be responsible for the building of the first castle on the estate, on the site of the Courtyard Stables. “The castle was built upon a rock that was washed by the White Cart. The pool that formed here is believed to have led to the name Pollok, as the word ‘poll’ means pool in Gaelic.”

Laighe Castle, ‘Low Castle’, was the third to be built upon the site between 1518 and 1536. Functioning until 1747, when the demolished remains were incorporated into the courtyards east wall.

Sir John Maxwell 3rd Baronet (1752-1758) is credited for demolishing Laighe Castle, and building nearby Pollok House, the bridge over the White Cart Water, and the Stables Courtyard.

The Complex “underwent significant changes and additions in the 19th Century.”

Tracing Time

Diagrams describing the evolution of the site structures through time. These illustrate the continual fragmentation and reformation of old building fabric into new. Defining the additions, subtractions, changes in scale and relationships between clusters that have etched the grounds across centuries.

History/Routes

Mapping the fluid nature of the settlement, marking the growth of the estate, paths formed, routes taken and buildings occupied.

The Complex is currently undergoing redevelopment. The demolition and restoration works have restricted access for site visits. This resulted in a fragmented experience when visiting the cordoned-off site. These diagrams are designed to visually reflect that experience.

Map 1934/1935

Former Typologies

Built across centuries, the Complex has housed a range of activities. Historically spanning agricultural, residential, commercial, workplace and leisure typologies, the Complex continues to adapt with its proposed function as a Caring Home. An understanding of these past activities is referenced through new purposes, materiality and FFE (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment).

Former Stables;

Date;

- 1757. Building fabric includes a 17th century gateway and remains of Laighe Castle, 18th and 19th century additions/ alterations

Former Functions;

- Stables, housing Clydesdale horses

- Coach house

- Milk parlour

- Factors office

- Servants Quarters

- Laundry

- Doocot

- Visitor attraction

Former Sawmill and Weir;

Date;

- 1880 approximately (Sawmill). Weir installed 1757. Sawmill fell into disuse after WW2.

Former Functions;

- Electric power station to Pollok House

- Waterwheel, replaced by a turbine in 1890

- Commercial forestry; income source for the Maxwell family

Former Chapel;

Date;

- 1880 approximately

Former Functions;

- Estate chapel

- Hen house

- Power/battery house (powering Pollok House)

- Countryside rangers base

Former Schoolhouse;

Date;

- 1914 approximately

Former Functions;

- Schoolhouse

- Bothy

- Canteen for grounds maintenance staff

The Clydesdales

Fundamental to the history of the site is its legacy in housing Clydesdale horses, this gentle breed, now at risk of extinction, powered the estate, and were a much loved visitor attraction.

Part of Scotland's rich agricultural history, the Clydesdale was bred in the Clyde valley for its strength and speed. Its origins in 1750 are contemporary with the site.

Once exported across the world, they played key roles in farming and the world wars. The passion and skill required to care for these animals is a source of pride, particularly represented in the craftsmanship of ornately harnessed horses in the Royal Highland Show.

The Caring Home references the buildings involvement in the care of these horses through the selection of a harness-like leather light fixture.

Below; National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive. Right; Farrier at the Stables Complex.

National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive

Understanding

the processes, forms and patterns of agriculture contemporary with the Complex.

Mitchell Library Archives

Understanding the former activities and divisions of space within the Stables, and the proposed alterations to floor/roof height and window/door openings.

The historic precedent of alterations to the Complex aids the proposal of sensitive interventions to the site.

Looking at handdrawn plans and elevations from 1864 and 1913 revealed the changes that have been made to the buildings fabric.

1864 Site Drawings

Existing Plans/ Ground Floor

Due to the restricted access to site, the existing layout of the Complex is approximated, based on a combination of gathered floor plans, photos, drawings and maps.

Plans not to scale

Existing Plans/ First Floor

Plans not to scale

Existing Plans/ Roof

Plans not to scale

State as Existing

In a state of neglect, the Complex has endured progressive deterioration for over 35 years.

The South-West range of the courtyard has been “vacant and propped up with timber buttressing since the mid 80s”, where there is current concern for significant loss of historic fabric.

Placed on the Buildings at Risk Register in 2007, the final tenant was relocated in 2017. The Clydesdale horses were removed in 2018 when the Complex was finally “closed to the public due to structural instability”

The condition of the buildings across the Complex is poor, “the timber floor and roof structures having suffered from extensive decay and settlement as a result of flooding over numerous years.”

The Complex is currently being restored and regenerated into a net-zero carbon ‘Living Heritage Centre’.

Architect Fiona Sinclair notes in her conservation narrative, “Pollok Stables encompasses centuries of use and disuse, demonstrating its potential to happily accommodate change as the site evolves to remain relevant in a changing context of very many years.”

Conservation progress, Above: March, Right: November

Images found of the existing interior convey the extent of the sites neglect.

Below; Interior of the Sawmill. Right; Interior of the Stables.

Approach to Site

Understanding the site and its context, aids the Caring Home in sensitively interacting with the historic Complex. The proposal values the rich patina of each building, enhancing the traces of the past that remain despite generations of structural and functional reformation. Design interventions allow the site to support the contemporary needs of inhabitants and the wider community.