We were asked to develop design ideas for a new engine house at Sutton Poyntz, to compliment the development of the visitor centre and museum.

A 400mm solid clt  (cross-laminated timber & sequestrator of carbon) roof spans and cantilevers over a lightweight structural steel colonnade on the two long sides with full height structural glazing sitting inside a steel structural frame.

The engine is illuminated via natural daylight from an elliptical ‘hole’ in the roof that is supplanted by a large sheet of overhanging elliptical glass.

The creation of the organic shape within a very regimented structural box reflect the freeform shape of an external ground water feature that we have used to collect rainwater in a ‘sheet’ waterfall from the width of the roof over the long south facing cantilever.

An artificial light scheme will reverse the polarity of the light strategy for the building (upwards, not downwards) dividing periods of darkness emphasise the water connection and location of a water clock - perhaps the largest in the world?!

The structural columns in steel circular hollow section expresses the engine and its mechanical nature.

Lastly the floors and engine plinth block are proposed in polished concrete with a colour additive and texture used to change the design use of the material.

Client
Wessex water

Location
Sutton Poyntz

Facility
Commercial, Public and Education

Size
m² |  sqft

Scope
architecture, interior architecture