TITHE BARN: MELDING RICH HERITAGE WITH A MODERN PROGRAM
Module: H0450354 // Dynamic Site // Writtle University College (2017)
Winner of SGD Award 2018 [Student Commercial Category]
The medieval assets inherited by Writtle College include the earthwork remains of King John’s hunting lodge (ca.1211) and an aisled timber barn (ca.1441-1475) (above). Although neglected, both spaces evoke a powerful emotional response and have inherent value that should be conserved.
The Tithe Barn proposal draws on guiding principles set out in a speculative Masterplan (Ekers et al., 2016), which proposes sweeping changes to the College estate in response to global challenges such as population increase and food security. Regional challenges such as changing student profile and funding constraints are also reflected in a robust landscape strategy that embraces five key principles: (i) sustainable environment; (ii) learning landscapes; (iii) social interaction, (iv) aesthetic value, and (v) income generation.
Critically, the Tithe Barn proposal embraces the principles set out in the Masterplan without diminishing the integrity of the site. Although it contains numerous references to gardens of the period, the proposal is neither a recreation, nor restoration of a medieval landscape. It is, rather, a reinterpretation, brought up-to-date in order to meet the requirements of dynamic and complex brief. The author’s plans and perspectives were later used to support a request for Heritage Lottery funds to restore this dwindling Grade 2* listed asset.
Promotional Perspective (SW)
Promotional Perspective (NW)
Masterplan (1:1000 @A1)
Sub-Masterplan (Kings Lodge Campus) (1:500 @A1)
Section Elevation through A-A1 (1:150 @A1)
Detail Area (1:150 @A1)
Portfolio Spread (NTS)
Portfolio Page (NTS)
Section Elevation Render (NTS)
REFERENCES
Ekers, M., Gladwin, D., Oliveri, A., Smith J., and Tao, L. (2016) ‘Writtle 2050: Anticipating Future Challenges’ [PowerPoint presentation], H0450354: Dynamic Site. Writtle University College. Unpublished.
