Looking at a geological map, the carefully coloured scars tell of a wide range of traditional construction methods within Great Britain. Many different methods, attributed to many different regions and stratum. Looking to the South-East of England, soft malleable stratum forms the majority.
Soft malleable materials – both in their raw and burnt state – have formed the basis of building for millennia; piling, raw earth, with various additives, forming monolithic and stereotomic structures; stacking, burnt earth, equally monolithic in its appearance, whilst inherently tectonic in its construction.
Looking in depth at humble cob structures, place and time is revealed. The earthen material is embedded within tradition; what the mix ratios are, how the earth is placed, when and how it meets other materials, all tell a story of the past, precautions for the future and how these methods have become to be.
A study of Sir John Soane’s stable block from his time at Royal Hospital Chelsea, gave great insight into brickwork, its possibilities and potential for expression. Often overlooked as a once malleable, earthen material, bricks in their many different colours, shapes and sizes take precedent from the geological stratum of whence they came.
Whilst studying the orders and their details, similarities were noted in seemingly functional tectonic moves in cob structures. With the measured forms and calculated rhythm of the orders, in conjunction with cobs inherent plasticity and tectonic motifs, rooted in tradition, time and place, the project takes playful and sculptural moves, sitting within the sparse Hampshire landscape, creating spaces to drink wine.
