research retreat

our second design project was to design an artists ‘research retreat’ on tentsmuir beach, fife. the building was to include twelve bedrooms for artists to stay, a range of studio spaces, communal spaces and exhibition spaces.

i placed the private accommodation amongst the trees for privacy while the public spaces were more exposed. the studios are north facing to benefit from natural daylight rather than sunlight.

an influential precedent was the kaufmann house(1946) by richard neutra (below). from studying this house i decided to create the pinwheel plan.



as the building was to be a retreat i concentrated on creating small intimate spaces and gardens.

above are some of places i created. first is the outdoor gazebo where people could go reflect in the fresh air but still shelter from the elements. in the middle is a small seated nook. it is placed around the corner from the studios and was designed as a place where artists could go to to escape the studios. lastly is a small bench to create a ‘go to’ place at the end of a corridor. i also wanted to create bedrooms that were a private sanctuary. each room has its own porch, 'transition space', where the artist can have their own private external space.

from the elevation below it is evident how the building ‘hugs’ the earth to become part of the landscape.

i still consider this my favourite project. There are things I would like to change about the project however on the whole this is the project outcome I am most happy with.