Lecture Series «Ein Haus...»: «A house from the past that no longer exists»: The Woodshed. From shed to treasure
Institute of Architecture FHNW
The Woodshed, Hertfordshire (GB), 2022, Charlotte Skene Catling, Architektin, London & Madrid © Skene Catling de la Peña
A historic building, colloquially referred to as a house «from the past», is transformed so much that it no longer exists afterwards – but nevertheless leaves a lasting impression. These metamorphoses range from controlled demolition to replacement buildings that harmonise with the old structure, to additions that allude to what was there before in terms of form, material or meaning. Ultimately, it is about how we deal with history and the courage to inscribe ourselves architecturally in the course of time.
In order to transform the historic woodshed for heating a listed mansion in England into a residential building, it was set apart in its own, almost sacred area with herringbone slate paving, beyond which new extensions were placed. The entire project is characterised by this enthusiasm for materials: traditionally manufactured bricks, specially cast glass blocks, wooden grids. Charlotte Skene Catling is an architect, filmmaker and author working in London and Madrid (her works include «Dairy House», Somerset, England, 2008; revitalisation of a silo building by Alvar Aalto in Oulu, Finland, ongoing).
«Ein Haus…» is a series of lectures in which buildings are presented in detail. This reveals the different perspectives of architects, clients, artists, users and others who influence the appearance and fate of the buildings. The focus of the presentations varies, ranging from urban planning premises to construction challenges, from historical references to social ambitions.