Canopy Research Station
A field station for ecologists studying old-growth pine. Lifted on slender steel pins to avoid root disturbance; an embedded mesh of low-power sensors streams forest health data to the public.
LOCATION
Cairngorms, Scotland
YEAR
2022
SIZE
—
STATUS
Completed
Context
The Cairngorms old-growth pine forest is one of the last remnants of the ancient Caledonian woodland. The research station was commissioned by a consortium of ecology groups to provide a permanent base for long-term canopy monitoring — a place to work, shelter, and observe without disturbing the forest floor.
Challenge
The site is within a protected nature reserve. No ground excavation was permitted, and all materials had to be carried in by hand. The structure had to be demountable, leaving no trace if the research programme ended.
Approach
Slender steel pins driven to bedrock support a lightweight platform that hovers above the root zone. The cabin above is a prefabricated timber cassette assembled off-site and helicoptered in. An embedded mesh of low-power LoRaWAN sensors monitors canopy temperature, humidity, and light levels, streaming data to a public dashboard in real time.
Credits
Recognition
Funding Sources