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Thomas Randall-Page has designed a storage space and archival facility for his father Peter Randall-Page, a sculpture artist, within the envelope of an existing modern agricultural barn. Appearing as a hermetically sealed box from the outside, the building opens and reveals itself with large apertures that fill the gallery with natural light.

With the luxury of time at their disposal the project was dubbed an exercise in ‘Slow Architecture’ spanning a number of years in a process that feels more akin to the way one might make a sculpture or artwork rather than a building. Using the existing volume as a basis of the building, the design reflects Peter’s own art practice of using found stones to create his sculpture work.

Located on the edge of Dartmoor in rural Devon, the 250sqm barn retains the character of its agricultural origins while blending in with the contemporary vernacular. The unassuming exterior is wrapped in vertical cedar boards and a galvanised steel skirt amplifying the natural gradient of the land. Camouflaged in these metal and timber facades are a series of industrial-scale shutters that playfully fold and slide to reveal generous areas of glazing, blurring the boundary between interior space and the surrounding landscape.

Related: Hourré House in Labastide Villefranche, France by Collectif Encore.

The materiality choice guides the design. Where they could, elements of the existing barn were retained including the softwood primary frame, roof covering and the repurposing of some cladding. Local low carbon or carbon-negative materials like locally grown and sawn timber, natural cork and Dartmoor granite sourced from soil heaps were prioritised. Paired with simple, bespoke steel elements part of the beauty of the project is taken in how the materials meet one another.

Inside a complex multi-layered space unfolds. The projects need for a programmatic mix of archive, storage and studio space led Thomas to divide the space into three distinct environmental zones.

Related: Daylesford Longhouse Residence & Working Farm by Partners Hill.

Highly insulated, airtight and with a sensor-controlled dehumidification system the archive lines the wall to the north. The open space, housing robust sculptures and activated for seasonal uses remains unheated.

A freestanding ‘creature’ known as the ‘Winter Studio’ stands on stone hooves. This room within a room is the projects nerve centre. Lined with natural cork and warmed by its own stove this cosy room is where you’ll find Peter spends most of his time. Beyond the door, a folding balcony offers long views across the valley.

Good things happen to those who wait and this little slice of shire county has grown and evolved into a calm and beautiful space, brimming with possibility.

Related: MSO Home + Art Studio by Jean Verville Architects.

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