HENRY MOORE LEARNING HUB
Proposals for an elegant, flexible, net-zero learning and exhibition space that responds to light and landscape — fascinations we share with artist Henry Moore
FOR HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION
Perry Green, the home of the Henry Moore Foundation is a special place. From the moment visitors enter there is a sensibility of the domestic, of simple buildings and a loose patchwork of landscapes. One can quite easily imagine Moore sitting, quietly focusing on his art, or engaging with family and friends.
Our competition proposals for a new learning hub here sought to understand this place through experience. We visited the site with our families and friends to gain multigenerational views. We also engaged with other visitors and people who work in the grounds, to gain as much insight as possible. The results were elegant yet energised ideas about light, volume and vista.
OPEN AND VOLUMETRIC SPACES OF LIGHT
Following several design studies, our proposal simply enlarged the existing structure along its strong geometries, creating volume and light to easily accommodate the new entrance lobby and studio spaces. The roof is punctuated with rooflights that align with the existing grid of the barn and sit above a consistent rhythm of internal timber beams. These apertures are naturally located commensurate with the existing barn to produce volumetric light spaces.
MATERIALLY INTENTIONAL
We deliberately designed a common sense solution using minimal materials as a practical response to the brief and context.
We chose to retain a black barn aesthetic of corrugated sheet for minimal change externally. Internally, we have used materials that are easily maintained, durable and allow for messy activity. As always, we consider the materials relationship to light at all stages.
Fewer materials means a straight-forward palette, fewer subcontractors, increased speed of delivery and reduction of waste.
“I like it the way it is...it shouldn't change much. It doesn't impose on the landscape and it sits nest to the sheep well... it gives a sense of belonging...in a woolly kind of way...pardon the pun... The building being black helps.”
– Excerpts of conversation with visitors Desmond and Martin. On every visit to the site, we took time to talk to members and guests to get their input as stakeholders.
A LIGHT DETAIL
In our proposal, the rooflights are treated with photochromic glass for switching between direct light and suffuse light. The beams either percolate the light to forge dynamic shadows (photochromic transparent setting), or spread the light (photochromic translucent setting), creating a holistic atmosphere of light throughout the interior.
Switching between the two photochromic modes either invents dynamic spaces that are connected to the movement of the sun and time through shadow, or alternatively calmer, more peaceful spaces that spread zenith light.
LOCATION
Perry Green, Much Hadham
SIZE
7,450 sqft
STATUS
Competition
CLIENT
Henry Moore Foundation