The Lookout - Mirrored Box Installation at Loch Voil
It was the last day of September when we’ve discovered the beautiful art installation located in between the two lochs - Loch Doine and Loch Voil in the heart of Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park in Scotland. I wanted to see this artwork ever since I discovered it for my studies at university.
The installation is located in the remote corners of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs park where no public transport is available, however, there is a beautiful hotel with all the amenities. “The Lookout” is a mirrored box with the seating inside. It is clad in polished stainless steel that creates the mirror effect. At first, It’s hard to notice the artwork because the surroundings are reflected on each side thus creating an interesting visual effect, almost invisible.
As you walk around you’re able to see the two opposite landscapes on one plane - the one that’s in front of you and the one behind your back. It’s lovely to see that local animals don’t seem to be disturbed by their own reflections. The setting is so peaceful and dreamy, especially on the crisp Autumnal day.
THE ARCHITECTURE
The mirrored cube has a timber frame structure clad in mirrored stainless steel and laminated to 12mm birch ply. The dimensions of the structure were determined by the standard sheet sizes (1220 x 2440mm) due to the budget constraints, also this approach minimised the amount of produced waste as it was the principal concern of the architects. The mirrored cube has carved out volumes that act as seating, to frame the views up Loch Voil and Loch Doine where other views are framed by the vertical panel. Every surface reflects the stunning landscape surroundings and thus creates the visual illusion of disappearing and reappearing from view as you move towards the object.
HOW TO GET HERE
The only way to get here is by your own means of transport. The visitor's car park is located at the nearby Monachyle Mhor Hotel which also welcomes walkers. They serve soup, sandwiches and freshly baked scones all day. The installation is in a 10-15 walking distance from the car park, the exact location is marked on the map-guide that's free to download.
Press play to see the full video of the box assembly and site installation
