Set in the picturesque surroundings of Newstead abbey park and gardens the demanding brief called for fully integrated design solution incorporating a performance space, temporary gallery, permanent gallery, small library, presentation facilities, tea room, visiting artist accommodation facilities, work shops, service, administration and storage facilities.

Model south aerial view

The form of the building is centred around two perpendicular axes, the route from the existing abbey and the approach route from the entrance to the park.

The two axes meet at the centre of the building, a large existing field maple tree is situated on the main axis outside the west entrance.

Model north east view

The building consists of a series of different layers of light and functions, large scale elements are situated to frame particular areas of the landscape, the movement of the sun and the changes of the seasons and human activity are intended to animate the building.

Model west entrance view (minus tree)

The arrangement of the south facing wall ensured that no direct sunlight can enter the galleries in order to preserve the artefacts, only indirect, bounced and diffused light is allowed to penetrate the spaces.

Model north view

The central performance space can also be viewed from the high level balconies.

Model west aerial view down main axis

A monopitched rooflight is situated down the centre of the main axis creating a naturally lit and ventilated atrium space.

! in 20, 2m wide slopes were used to allow easy access for wheel chair users.

View from west entrance to central performance space

Ground floor plan. Cafe area over looking lake, gallery, performance space and Maple tree.

Main axial route through central reception and meeting place and between viewable store room and Byron permanent gallery.

Second / Third floor plan through artist accommodation and high level social and study lightwells.

First floor plan showing central performance space

Section A through main service core, low level library and high level accommodation over looking lake and wild heathland to the north, performance space and main gallery to the south.

Section B through central axial route under performance space and between gallery spaces

Sectional Elevation C showing arch framing Field Maple tree at the entrance

Section D through main gallery, entrance route, cafe seating and high level artist accommodation over looking lake and wild heathland

Section E through quadruple height main gallery, double height cafe and double height common room

Section F through office space, viewable store room, Byron gallery, library and accommodation

Construction Section through main axial entrance route and grass roofed roof garden

High level stainless steel rooflight and exposed reinforced concrete cantilevered walkways

Stainless steel and glass balustrades

Polished concrete floor screed

Ashlar rainscreen construction section detail

Gallery construction plan detail