Porter’s Lodge, Fountains Abbey

Porters Lodge is situated in the grounds of Fountains Abbey near Ripon, North Yorkshire. Woodhall was commissioned to design a new interpretation centre set within the 13th century listed ruins of Porter’s Lodge. Fountains Abbey is a World Heritage Site and significant Scheduled Ancient Monument.
 

The brief was for a building which would have minimal impact on its site and surroundings. The simple contemporary building, using natural materials (green oak frame, air dried oak frame glazing, western cedar cladding and lead roof) was designed to integrate into the sensitive site setting. The foundations of an earlier 20th century building were used to minimise ground disturbance and is largely concealed by the 13th century masonry walls. Designed as a semi-outdoor space, the building is unheated with natural ventilation provided through sliding glazed panels.
 

RIBA 2009 White Rose Award Winner