Archaeolink Prehistory Park in Scotland Hides Beneath a Lush Green Mound

Posted By Ana Lisa Alperovich On November 18, 2011 @ 5:40 pm In Architecture,green roof,Sustainable Building | No Comments

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Located in the breathtaking countryside of Oyne, in Aberdeenshire ^[6], Scotland, the Archaeolink Prehistory Park ^[7] houses Scottish artifacts dating back over 10,000 years. Designed by Edward Cullinan Architects ^[8], the center was completed in 1997 and tucks itself beneath a green mound of grass so as not to disturb its natural site. The stunning destination also offers indoor and outdoor exhibitions, workshops and guided tours highlighting Scotland ^[9]'s history, which references everything from the Mesolithic period to the Romans.

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Rising like a hill ^[10], the land is actually “folded” over to form a sunken courtyard and entrances. The structure also features a double glazed facade ^[11] providing lots of natural light to brighten the interiors. And thanks to its grass topped roof, the building requires little energy to heat or cool its interiors. Inside, the exposed concrete ^[12] structure allows for the passage of heat between the building and an insulated underground heat space, while external shutters control the natural light coming in.

With exhibition galleries underneath its conical structure, the building was also designed as a platform from which visitors could view the surrounding local sites. Archaeolink’s building also boats a central auditorium with viewing rooms placed all around it.

+ Archaeolink Prehistory Park ^[7]

+ Edward Cullinan Architects ^[8]

Photo © Edward Cullinan Architects

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/archaeolink-prehistory-park-in-scotland-hides-beneath-a-lush-green-mound/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/archaeolink-prehistory-park-in-scotland-hides-beneath-a-lush-green-mound/edward-cullinan-architects-conical-grass-hill-building-archaeolink-2/?extend=1

[6] Aberdeenshire: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/

[7] Archaeolink Prehistory Park: http://www.archaeolink.co.uk/index.html

[8] Edward Cullinan Architects: http://www.edwardcullinanarchitects.com/

[9] Scotland: http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-green-roofed-black-sheep-house-in-scotland-looks-out-to-sea/

[10] hill: http://inhabitat.com/casa-leon-low-impact-home-mimics-the-spanish-mountains-with-a-sloping-greef-roof/

[11] double glazed facade: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-skin_facade

[12] exposed concrete: http://inhabitat.com/londons-energy-efficient-jodrell-laboratory-houses-the-worlds-largest-fungi-collection/

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