Artist Retreat / BArch YR03
Overview:
The second segment focused on designing a fully resolved building within my Rural Society. My choice was a pioneering artist retreat that encompasses a studio, small workshops, accommodation, cafe, exhibition space and reception. The category of designers will be for those who are more practical, rather than those who rely on technology. I wanted a place where people could be inspired; similar to getaway retreats high end designers such as music producers sometimes hire to work and be inspired.
The buildings layout has been designed to encourage people’s movement towards the front of the building, with the curve of the building’s spine being taken from the shape of Spurn itself. The front of the building faces the Humber estuary and city of Hull which is where the scenic views are, hence the wide span. The ground floor holds public spaces within the core of the spine and the private spaces are located on the first floor to keep them separate. This allows easy access for the public to move through the building and not restrict the flow. The studio can also be accessed by visitors, whom are permitted by the designers working there at the time. The accommodation area is segregated away from the studio to allow for peace and privacy.
The choice of reinforced cast-in-place concrete and timber panelling for the material originated by the history of Spurn. Gun placement ruins made from concrete from WWI can still be seen there today. Post possibly 100 years, the building could lie in addition to the other remains and be part of Spurn’s long history. With treatment, the properties of these materials can also help the building withstand the harsh weather Spurn can experience. The timber construction used for the first floor rests above the concrete ground foundations. This is a fitting symbolism that Spurn can finally support the materialism of a tree which it never had and re-stablish a stable community once again.
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