BRIEF: SEED CULTURE

Step into a world where architecture merges seamlessly with the untouched beauty of the Longshaw Estate in the iconic Peak District National Park. Prepare to embark on an enthralling journey through this architectural portfolio, as we unveil a visionary design for a research and education facility that will leave an indelible mark on both the landscape and the minds of its visitors.

Nestled within this captivating facility lies a treasure trove—a small seed bank and repository, safeguarding the essence of nature itself. Yet, it is so much more than a mere storage space. It is a gateway to discovery, where research unfolds before your eyes through immersive exhibitions and engaging activities, bridging the gap between science and the public.

At the heart of this architectural endeavor lies an unwavering dedication to the landscape and ecology of the Longshaw Estate and the surrounding Peak District. Here, the delicate balance between nature and human interaction takes center stage, as sustainable practices, cultivation, farming, and biodiversity become the pillars upon which our design rests. Through meticulous research and purposeful activity, this facility will become a catalyst for the sustainable development and harmonious coexistence of the landscape and its inhabitants.

But our vision extends beyond the boundaries of the facility itself. Strategic considerations of the wider site and landscape guide every design decision, seamlessly merging the architectural elements with the natural contours and rhythms of the land. Together, we will craft an immersive experience that not only respects but celebrates the enchanting beauty of the Longshaw Estate.

The project’s conceptual terrain materializes as an orchestration of experiences, a choreography of ‘Movement Through the Landscape,’ transcending the confines of interior and exterior realms.

In the very essence of mobility lies the genesis of paradox, a tapestry interwoven by cascading levels that travel across the threshold of inside and outside from one floor to another but however blurring the line between where the building starts and the landscape finishes.

Its incorporation maintains the existing routes through the site on both paths, however, creates events that take place between the paths on a continuous connecting line of movement through the changing levels of the landscape.

- Jacob Roberts

“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication”