Dumbreck
House significance within the park extends not only to its geographical centrality
but also the park is now formed within the former grounds of the house.
The former basement can be entered by two entrances, which respond to the existing
pathways axis and are of contrasting nature and significance.
The primary entrance is defined by a tall structure that was formerly the main
entrance to the house. The height of the structure is set at the height of
the former Dumbreck House and acts as a significant marker or beacon for the
park in order to aid orientation. The structures material qualities respond
to changes in daylight and weather conditions. Throughout the year the portal
will offer visual changes to passers-by. Two opposing walls hang like large
mirrors and are angled to form a distinct enclosure to the portal. Here visual
links are made to the stairs which lead to the ‘hidden garden’ below
and allow a framed view to the sky above. These walls also act as a filter
for rainwater or sunlight to wash the existing staircase.
The secondary entrance was formerly the servant’s entrance to the basement
quarters of Dumbreck House. A new ramped path is proposed both to cut through
this threshold and stitch the threshold back to the park. This proposed surface
treatment allows the user to measure their personal scale within the context.
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