Cambridge based architect Haysom Ward Miller design innovative new bird-hide for use by the RSPB

Nov. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- The RSPB have opened an innovative new bird hide, created by Cambridge-based architect Haysom Ward Miller, http://www.haysomwardmiller.co.uk at their prestigious Rainham Marshes reserve. The new hide breaks the mould of traditional bird hides making viewing more comfortable and accessible to all.

Hettie Hirst, Project Officer from the RSPB, commented ”We commissioned Haysom Ward Miller to not only come up with an exciting contemporary hide design but also to challenge the existing hide conventions. They have delivered with a uniquely innovative and accessible hide that really complements the exciting landscape and experience that Rainham Marshes presents to all our visitors”.

This pioneering design with its dynamic canted walls elevated on a metal gantry, was inspired by the military archaeology of the location, a former MOD firing range on the banks of the Thames.  An important wildlife area on the edge of greater London, Rainham Marshes has been transformed into a haven for breeding wading birds and flocks of winter migrants, and it is now accessible to all people with an appreciation of nature and wild life and not just bird enthusiasts.

Haysom Ward Miller have used their extensive experience to create a carefully crafted hide using sustainable materials which was pre-fabricated off site by ModularUK and assembled on site in just two days.  This off-site fabrication strategy proved to be key to the success of the build as it greatly reduced the impact of the work on the reserve. It proved to be a prescient decision as, unexpectedly, the site was flooded for much of the construction period, which would have made a traditional build almost impossible.

The Haysom Ward Miller designed hide uses their pioneering new ‘combination’ window, created in conjunction with Houdini Marine Windows Ltd, which allows two-tier viewing (doubling the available viewing space) with exceptional sight-lines in contrast to the traditional single observation slots. Wider shelves and lower sills together with adjustable seats mean that separately constructed windows for the disabled are no longer needed, ensuring everyone can now utilise all the viewing spots and truly enjoy the best vantage points.

The innovative window design perfectly compliments the architecturally dramatic, modern and exciting hide.  The result is a bright, airy and light-filled building with fantastic viewing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.  All these elements contribute to a completely new kind of visitor experience. These unique windows are now being incorporated into new hides around the country, including Titchwell Marsh where two new innovative hides by Haysom Ward Miller are due to open in December.

The  directors at Haysom Ward Miller bring their own particular fields of expertise and interests to the work of the practice. At the core of their output is a shared set of principles where their individual interests overlap.  Practice strengths include an in depth knowledge of sustainable design and construction and a deep practical knowledge of construction techniques and materials.    This results in the creation of beautiful spaces, which fit into their surroundings and are a delight and pleasure to inhabit.  

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About Haysom Ward Miller: Haysom Ward Miller are an award winning Cambridge based architects designing domestic, commercial and educational projects throughout Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond. Haysom Ward Miller specialise in high quality sustainable designs that make the most of site, brief and craftsmanship. http://www.haysomwardmiller.co.uk