Glentress Cycle Centre

A multi-purpose visitor facility encompassing a café, bike shop and hire centre, osprey viewing area, education and exhibition space, as well as showers, WCs, and ranger facilities. The development was carefully designed to serve both recreational and educational purposes while blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Sustainability was a core principle throughout this project. Locally sourced and environmentally responsible materials were prioritised, including Douglas fir for the structural trusses, untreated cladding, and decking - all supplied by the Forestry Commission Scotland from the forest adjacent to the site. Additional materials included Scottish oak for window frames, a mix of European and hybrid larch for internal linings and skirtings, and Scottish birch for internal doors, reinforcing the project’s strong regional focus.

The facility integrates a number of environmentally conscious features. These include waterless urinals, low-flow adaptors on WCs and cold taps, and an innovative rainwater harvesting system which collects, filters, and reuses water to flush WCs and clean hire bikes. Real-time monitoring of energy and water consumption is displayed on site, promoting environmental awareness and education among visitors.

• Client Glentress
• Expertise Build
• Location Glentress
• Contract £8m
• Design GAIA Architects