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
Atmospheric visual - 'When we are lost in darkness and see a distant glimmer of light, who does not dream of a thatched cottage, or to go more deeply still into legend, of a hermit’s hut?' asks French philosopher, Gaston Bachelard in 'The Poetics of Space'. Although it illuminates the retreat’s interior, the lamp also throws light outwards across a remote, hostile landscape. Bachelard considers why it is that we believe in the friendship of ‘the hermit’s world lighted.’ The hermit knows that the hut filled with light, is a beacon of humanity to anyone lost in the wilderness.
Atmospheric visual - The uplifting form takes inspiration from various existing beacon-like structures which emerge from the crests of hills across the fells; from smelt mills and lead mine chimneys to trig pillars. Whereby its oval shape is intended to envelop the occupier providing both respite from and control over the harsh surroundings.
At its most fulfilling, a micro piece of architecture serving as a seductive retreat within the harsh winter conditions of Birkside Fell, North Pennines.
Structural assembly axonometric illustrations — light, shape and materials create different sequences and natural transitions. Upon arrival one moves through the existing narrow threshold of the dry-stone sheepfold before ascending to the retreat via local rocks used as makeshift steps which transition to a delicate and almost floating steel stair. The metal tray for the treads and landing are inset with timber end grain blocks which seamlessly continue into the oval shaped interior.
Analytical diagrams representing our concept in its simplest form hierarchically in both massing (top and bottom — elevation) and parti (middle — plan) format.
Sketch section, plans and elevations — the larch shingle mass is raised above the terrain to afford framed views over the surrounding dry-stone wall while retaining the site’s original use as a sheepfold.
Sketch illustrating the rambler’s retreat concept on the horizon of Birkside Fell.
Black and white photograph obtained from the archives; sheep shearing on Birkside Fell, North Pennines, 1910. Former rural workers of the land surrounding our sheepfold site for a rambler’s retreat.
Site photograph of the beautifully preserved dry-stone sheepfold within the barren, yet scenic Birkside Fell.
Site plan of the Rambler's Retreat.
Client Private
Stage Concept
Location Birkside Fell, North Pennines, UK

Following a mapping exercise hiking within the North Pennines, this site, a beautifully preserved dry-stone sheepfold (just off the popular Carrier’s Way walking route) was identified as the preferred location to explore a design for a potential rambler’s retreat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Although on first impression a barren landscape, this area is rich in agricultural and industrial history, our concept seeks to subtly marry both.

The uplifting form takes inspiration from various existing beacon-like structures which emerge from the crests of hills across the fells; from smelt mills and lead mine chimneys to trig pillars. Whereby its oval shape is intended to envelop the occupier providing both respite from and control over the harsh surroundings. The larch shingle mass is raised above the terrain to afford framed views over the surrounding dry-stone wall while retaining the site’s original use as a sheepfold.

The proposal appropriately draws upon original qualities such as light, sky and natural materials. The experience within the retreat varies throughout the day and year. When it is bright outside, the gaze is drawn to the horizon and sky by the surrounding windows and skylight respectively. When dark, the opportunity to hang a lamp above the central table creates the experience that the generous room height is lowered.

Rambler’s Retreat