Hauser & Wirth is a series of high-end art galleries and dealerships with locations across the world. With a reputation for celebrating visionary artists, supporting communities and shaping the arts sector, the brand came to Somerset in 2012 with the same positive intent.
Client: Hauser & Wirth
Value: £5M
Location: Bruton, Somerset
Architect: b2 Architects
Contractor: Emery
It’s Somerset gallery opened in 2014 on a former farmstead in Bruton. The gallery is a modern building in keeping with the renovated farm buildings on site, which now run as a boutique hotel, restaurant and series of community spaces. A farm shop was later built sharing the land with the same rural, yet modern design.
The gallery sits on a landscaped garden created by world-class designer, Piet Oudolf. Within the garden sits the Radić Pavilion. Designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić, the building previously housed in the Serpentine Gallery in London.
The primary objective was to work on the structural design of Hauser & Wirth’s Somerset Gallery and restore a series of Grade II listed buildings to become a hotel and various community spaces. Within scope of the project was to design the foundations of the Radić Pavilion in the gardens on site.
Following the original development, AWA were asked to work on repurposing a barn to become an on-site restaurant and carry out the structural design of a new farm shop building. The client required the farm shop to be in-keeping with the agricultural style, while bringing in modern elements. This was achieved using an elegant, exposed steel frame and structurally insulated panels.
Drainage engineering was required for the garden and car park to ensure surface water would run away. This involved soil testing and putting the right soak away requirements in place before groundwork could begin.
Structural challenges often present themselves in projects that involve repurposing listed buildings. In this case, repair detailing was needed for the oak framework, and a sympathetic approach was taken while construction was carried out.
This project was a collaborative effort between AWA, the architect, b2 Architects, the interior designers, Laplace & Co the garden designer, Piet Oudolf, and the contractors, Emery.
Many of the decisions for this project were led by its design which meant effective communication between AWA, the architects and interior designers throughout the process was vital.
Every decision was scrutinised from a design perspective to ensure client objectives were met.
For the gallery itself, the client sought an open-plan design that would maximise the available space and showcase the landscaped garden. It was built with a steel frame which met both aesthetic and functional demands.
AWA continue to work with Hauser & Wirth as their resident engineers for art installations.
The success of the Hauser & Wirth project reflects AWA’s engineering excellence and shows their crucial role in supporting architects and designers to ensure the project’s overall success.
It is a prime example of AWA’s capability to execute complex projects and exceed client expectations, transforming a challenging site into a stunning community hub.
AWA is a structural engineering and civil engineering consultancy established in 1987, with a hard-won but deserved reputation for delivering excellence in our profession.
Our philosophy is simple: we put people first. This has resulted in a high number of repeat clients and an impressive track record of successful award-winning projects. We are proud to be professional, and approachable; we believe this makes us the ideal partner for your project.
AWA has chartered engineers in our offices located in Romsey, Hampshire and Bath, Somerset. We deliver services to clients across the South, South East and South West.
Our team includes both chartered structural engineers and chartered civil engineers committed to continuous professional development ensuring you benefit from up to date industry expertise, whatever your project entails.
To find out more about how AWA can help with your project, get in touch today. Call 01794 524447 (Romsey) or 01225 251498 (Bath) to speak to a member of our team. Alternatively, email mail@awaengineers.com and one of the team will be in touch.
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