Less Yes
More Integrity
Less Quantity
More Quality
Less Complacency
More Interrogation
Less Acceptance
More Research
Less Repetition
More Originality
Less Narrow
More Wide
Less Laziness
More Ambition
Less Loose
More Rigour
Less Fashion
More Substance
Less Apathy
More Passion
Less Complication
More Consideration
Less Haste
More Time
Less Separate
More Holistic
Less Ornamentation
More Longevity
Less Assumption
More Understanding
Less Conventional
More Alternative

Alt Studios

Artist's impression of the meandering route through the proposed wildflower meadow to the new retail building, the crisp roof ridge underlining the picturesque Holmedale Valley backdrop.
Visual highlighting the connectivity between the retail building and courtyard of sensory gardens — the outdoor experiential space presents a calm and inspirational buying experience, inviting visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the flora and fauna.
Interior visual depicting the new retail and hospitality offer set beneath an expressed primary timber roof structure, a subtle nod to the regular rhythm of the almost infinite Venlo glasshouses present across the vast horticultural grounds.
Front on photograph of a 1:50 solid oak model with walnut veneer base, highlighting the primary elevation of the retail building.
Birds-eye view photograph of a 1:50 physical model — expressed primary structure with facade details in solid oak.
Birds-eye view photograph of a 1:50 physical model with roof removed to appreciate the internal fixed and loose point-of-sale joinery / furniture all in solid oak.
Top down photograph of a physical 1:50 model of the main retail building with roof removed but upturned to display the underside primary timber structure.
Colourway of a typical structural bay from our concept design for Ravensworth Nurseries’ new retail building in Richmondshire, North Yorkshire. Inspired by hues and colour combinations previously recorded across the horticultural grounds.
Analytical diagram of our proposal, represented in its simplest form hierarchically in both massing (top – section | bottom – elevation) and parti (middle – plan) format.
Physical 1:200 site massing model with natural walnut veneered base. Buildings made from oak, with facade details and frosted perspex to represent the openings. Surrounding buildings made from walnut and frosted perspex massing blocks. Trees in cork.
Axonometric diagram highlighting the various new elements enhancing the retail offer and customer experience at Ravensworth Nurseries; from descending through the wild meadow flowers upon arrival, to enjoying sheltered sensory gardens bound by the new retail buildings and existing glasshouse.
Sketch perspective — depicting the main north elevation of the proposed retail building upon arrival.
Sketch perspective — illustrating the proposed courtyard of sensory gardens and perimeter point-of-sale displays.
Aerial black and white photograph from the early 1970s of Ravensworth Nurseries, Richmondshire, North Yorkshire. A time before its significant glasshouse expansion west across Waitlands Lane as well as into the northern greenbelt (bottom left and top left corner of the photograph respectively).
Site photograph - Bursts of colour and greenery emerging beneath the regular rhythm of the almost infinite Venlo glasshouses at Ravensworth Nurseries, Richmond, North Yorkshire.
Site plan of the proposed retail building and link block.
Client Ravensworth Nurseries
Stage Concept
Location Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, UK

We initially established a phased five-year development vision for this vast horticultural estate. The resulting brief required the relocation of the nursery site entrance, parking provision and retail offer with an architectural, landscape and interior design exceeding dated approaches and aesthetics of the horticultural market. Subsequently, two main challenges arose.

The first, to create a ‘destination’ and give reason for customers to visit more regularly — increasing and diversifying overall custom. This included designing a new point-of-sale strategy based on ‘sell the whole garden not just a plant’ through innovative and experiential means.

The second challenge, to address a significant level change from point of arrival to the existing glasshouses. Consequently, the proposal is influenced by the need for a gradual decent, allowing arriving customers to appreciate expansive countryside views while meandering through a wildflower meadow to the new entrance. The proposed retail buildings create a sheltered experiential courtyard — accommodating a central collection of sensory gardens displaying home-grown plants which can also be purchased on site.

Aesthetically, many site analysis curiosities are reinterpreted in a contemporary manner; from the regular structural rhythm of the almost infinite Venlo glasshouses to the materiality of agricultural buildings both on-site and across North Yorkshire.

Ravensworth Nurseries
Images, Information