Envisioned by design studios Cella Collective and Mitre & Mondays, the Water Tower is a striking timber-framed sanctuary and a timber-framed installation that graced the Houghton Festival in Norfolk, England, from 6 to 9 August. Drawing inspiration from a 1772 water tower at nearby Houghton Hall, this architectural marvel featured walls enveloped in sustainably sourced thatch.
Standing at an impressive 5.5 meters, the Water Tower created a serene seating area strategically nestled between the festival’s food court and music stage. Its design, marked by four distinct openings and layered thatch-covered walls, provided a cool retreat for festival-goers.
A blend of past and present in a thatched haven
The thatched structure, topped with a circular roof opening, extended wooden seating against its walls, inviting visitors to enjoy the craftsmanship. “I want people to experience something that looks like it has grown out of the ground – to feel cooled by its shady interior,” explained Josef Shanley-Jackson, co-founder of Mitre & Mondays.
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“Thatched structures, inside and out, can feel both contemporary and old-feeling all at the same time,” added Alys Hargreaves of Cella Collective, emphasizing the relevance of traditional materials in modern design.
For those intrigued by the idea of blending contemporary and traditional elements, Albert Dros’ seasonal forest photography offers a visual journey through nature’s timelessness.
Regenerative design principles in a structure
Regenerative design was at the core of this project. The thatch used was sourced from reedbeds maintained by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), supporting conservation efforts and local ecosystems. “We centred the whole design around a material ecosystem – reedbed landscapes and the craft of thatching,” said Hargreaves.
“It has also been an exercise in opposing a culture of convenience,” she continued. Cella Collective and Mitre & Mondays, with master thatchers Wayne Halfpenny and Steve Kelly, implemented an intuitive crafting process, making real-time design adaptations based on material interaction.
Cella Collective member Ella Caldicott highlighted the importance of hands-on learning: “That intuition became part of the build process, with decisions often made through testing and adapting.” The Water Tower’s impactful design will grace future editions of the Houghton Festival, highlighting the enduring allure of thatched architecture and cementing its role as a unique retreat.
The Water Tower’s sustainability narrative is bolstered by photographs captured by Henry Woide, encapsulating a project that harmonizes contemporary design with environmental conscience and traditional craftsmanship—a true architectural gem.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Water Tower at Houghton Festival?
The Water Tower was designed by Cella Collective and Mitre & Mondays.
What inspired the design of the Water Tower?
The design was inspired by a 1772 water tower at Houghton Hall.
How does the Water Tower support sustainability?
The thatch used was sourced from reedbeds maintained by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), supporting conservation efforts and local ecosystems.