Taglamyren Naturum visitor centre; adapting Swedish timber building traditions for today’s needs

Abstract

Farm buildings have played a significant role in shaping the Swedish landscape for centuries. The farm buildings have evolved in response to the changing needs of farmers over time and therefore showcase historical and cultural heritage as well as special building techniques. However, this knowledge is at risk of fading away as modern demands deviate from the traditional methods. Traditional timber constructions, while rich in heritage, often fall short of contemporary standards for energy efficiency and resilience. This thesis aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity by adapting traditional construction methods to meet present-day needs and standards, thereby preserving the cultural significance of these buildings. To achieve this goal, a new naturum visitor centre, accompanied by a complementary birdwatching tower will be designed in the nature reserve Taglamyren, located in the province of Småland. Naturum visitor centres are known for their distinctive architecture, serving not only to educate visitors about nature and the environment but also to inspire them to engage with nature themselves. Taglamyren nature reserve is a landscape of wide spread and untouched bog, presenting a challenge in integrating structures without disturbing nature and the landscape. The design process will be divided into two stages: firstly, an exploration of the historical and technical aspects of farm buildings in Småland, along with an exploration of local vernacular architecture and contemporary references; secondly, an iterative design process informed by the findings of the initial research. The outcome will be a naturum visitor centre that reimagine local timber construction traditions in to a robust construction method. In addition to the naturum there also is a birdwatching tower inspired from the vernacular building techniques. By preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation, this project seeks to ensure the continued relevance and resilience of traditional building practices for generations to come.