© Chris Humphreys

Culzean Castle

Design project for a new entrance and approach to Scottish castle

Client
National Trust for Scotland
Shortlist
  • AJ Specification Awards: Landscaping 2019 (Culzean Castle Entrance)

Culzean Castle is the jewel in the National Trust for Scotland’s Crown. Purcell worked with OP-EN landscape architects on the large infrastructure project which aimed to create an improved access and visitor arrival experience to the designed landscape of Culzean County Park. Our designs provided a bold and contemporary yet sensitive new estate entrance and approach to the castle.

© Chris Humphreys

A series of Corten orb sculptures line the drive and draw the decorative plasterwork patterns in Robert Adam’s masterpiece out into the landscape. These orbs are nestled within the planting and are illuminated from within during the evening to offer intrigue and a taste of the architecture beyond.

© Chris Humphreys

A contemporary folly of twin sandstone entrance piers herald the new entrance. These are enveloped in Corten and copper leaves and wrapped in a Corten fence which disseminates into the landscape beyond as Corten fins. Purcell worked with artist Andrea Geile to produce the entrance piers sculpture.

© Chris Humphreys
© Chris Humphreys
© Chris Humphreys
© Chris Humphreys
© Chris Humphreys

Client: National Trust for Scotland
Location: Maybole, South Ayrshire
Construction value: £2.3m