Ewan Waddell
"New Methods of Living" — a concept.
We're super excited by this one. It's part of our ongoing collaboration with Berlin-based architect Thomas Hall-Thompson, featuring as the centrepiece, the TERMINIO medium-sized wall configuration, with its 6-series recycled aluminium sheening against the raw concrete backdrop ;-)
Introducing: "New Methods of Living"; an architectural project located in the Cotswolds, UK, involving the conversion of an old barn.
The difference between the new family occupants of the barn and its old animal occupants is reflected in the name "New Methods of Living."📚
Nestled within the pastoral charm of the Cotswolds, a once utilitarian barn now stands as a testament to contemporary sophistication. The transformation of this space, with its raw concrete structure, exudes a minimalist allure that is both stark and inviting.
On the ground floor, a subtle shift in levels creates an intriguing spatial dynamic. A three-step descent leads to a lower platform, where the raw beauty of concrete is softened by carefully chosen furnishings. Bridging these differing elevations is a glass table that stretches across the divide, its transparent surface a metaphor for the seamless integration of spaces. The table is serviced by a mix of seating arrangements: higher stools for the lower level and contemporary chairs for the elevated side, each piece a nod to modern eclecticism.
Atmosphere and Ambience
Though the concrete might suggest a cold, austere environment, the space is suffused with a warmth that is almost paradoxical. The interplay of materials—glass, metal, and concrete—alongside the varied contemporary seating, creates an atmosphere that is both dynamic and inviting. The minimalist approach ensures that each element has room to breathe, contributing to an overall sense of calm and order.
Thomas Hall-Thompson's method keeps a large portion of the original structure while modifying it for contemporary use.
Every detail tells a story of transformation and renewal. It is a space where the past and present converge, where the minimalist design creates a serene backdrop for modern living, and where the raw beauty of concrete is celebrated in a new, elegant context.
It was first constructed in the customary in situ-concrete style in the late 1950s. This approach raises questions regarding contemporary design logic, which prioritizes actual, useful places over artificial aesthetics.