Building The betting Tote, Catterick Racecourse, Catterick Bridge, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 7PE
Brief
Inspired by Harriet Fairweather
The Tote will undergo the Saddle brief, where the function will feature a work-live scenario. In this scenario, the workplace will entail a saddle making showcase and a residency area that either the worker or anyone from the outside can access. Either being a private or public space, the Tote must require the basic necessities for a residential and work space that is practical but have bespoke features.
Proposal The renovation of the old betting Tote is to house a saddle making showcase and temporary accommodation. The Tote being a petite building will be cheaper on construction and a potential deal breaker for anyone interested in the developing of materials. The idea is to plan a new perspective on saddlers; users will engage in the saddler’s process whilst being inside a form-intelligent structure. This space will provide opportunity to create new experiences for the customers whilst expanding the racecourse’s priority to have a domain of leisure.
Masterplan
Client Greville Worthington has an extensive career from being a Trustee for Yorkshire Sculpture Park to being the director of the Catterick racecourse. The former betting Tote has most recently become his studio where exhibitions have been showcased. As also being a contemporary art collector, Greville is interested in the way art doesn’t need to be restricted by tradition, especially with the way text can be shown as art. The idea for the Tote is to treat the structure not only as functioning spaces, but as an installation as a whole.
Key visual 1:50
Narrative There will be 3 sets of users for the building – The saddler, the public and finally residents. The public that spends a day at the racecourse will be profited the opportunity to enjoy a unique side to the passion for racing. On selected days, events will be held within the residential space of the Tote; this is a flexible space that can host exhibitions, public and private events, meetings and if possible, classes. The residents will have a chance for a taste of luxurious living - not only making the races an enjoyable day out, but an indulging experience. Each booking will have entitlement to appreciate the clockwork of the saddlery and accommodation whilst relishing the electricity of the races. Ideally set for two people per booking, however it can expand or limit to a personal experience. The residents will exclusively be provided with a utility including, communal space, bathroom and bedroom. The showcase will require the Tote to present the public with a new experience to the racing world, whilst holding exhibitions in saddlery and materials, they will host a masterclass in horse-care and maintenance for riders and the public. Their participation for the Tote will sell products and educate the community in association with the race¬course. The showcase will entail small workspace for the masterclasses and a pop up display for people to buy. The traditional saddler is based in a gritty and grafting environment, this maker will be in an informal and relaxed setting; pushing the significance in care and comfort.
Key visuals
Structural element 1:5
Plans, sections and elevation 1:50 Concept and approaches Originally the concept was driven from the stirrup and how they support the jockey when racing, therefore in development I have focused on the suspension and structure of the stirrup. Looking at how the foot goes through the stirrup, I represented this by creating hanging forms that the users will walk through. Suspending elements of the building will reference the stirrup that suspends the jockey from the saddle. Typically the main material used for the stirrup is aluminium, so that would be the key element when chosing materials. I wanted to portray the tool in an abstract form, so the structure would be treat like an installation as well as a host for spaces.
Key strategic moves All of the figures are manipulated I-beams that are disguised with two layers of aluminium to have the illusion of an all metal construction. The final proposition made to the development was giving the Tote’s shell and each metal component separation; this would let the building breathe and give new and interesting views to the user, also letting more light in. This was achieved by leaving as little as 10mm gaps around the inner walls and each component – all of the gaps were to be filled with a glass fixture to ensure flowing spaces.
As well as having the staircase and floors suspended, the shell of the building manipulates how the users will sit, eat, work, live, relax. The design is focused on the residential space, giving the user opportunity to experience amazing views that you wouldn’t get from staying at a hotel. Aluminium was an existing element found on site but also has a connection by being the most common material of the stirrup.
Stair detail 1:5
Concept models
Stair detail 1:1
Glass opening 1:1