Downland Gridshell

MAR 10

The Downland Gridshell can be found at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Singleton, West Sussex. It was finished in 2002 and is a beautiful building.

I took these pics a little time after the Gridshell opened. Unfortunately I was unable to take photographs of the interior that day, but it is even more impressive from the inside. It was designed by Buro Happold and Edward Cullinan and is a self-supporting structure made of oak sourced in Normandy, France. It was runner-up for the Stirling Prize in 2002 missing out to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

I've always been interested in buildings like this. They always feel to me to be a true statement of the beauty of natural materials and show us that when they are designed well, buildings can truly become the environment in which they stand and even enhance their surroundings. It also shows off the strength and versatility of oak and the Gridshell will no doubt stand for as long as the other historic buildings at the Weald and Downland Museum.

Front elevation

Side elevation

Entrance

Rear elevation