L6th Form Art trip to meet Architect and Old Brutonian, Theo Scaramanga...

On Wednesday 19^th June, a small group of our L6^th Form artists ventured out to meet Theo Scaramanga who is an Architect (Studio Scaramanga), and an Old Brutonian. Theo kindly offered us a tour of one of his current projects at Etsome House, along with sharing insights into his practice and potential routes into architecture.

As we arrived at Etsome House, we kitted ourselves out in trendy hard hats and high visibility jackets as we toured the conversion of an old dairy barn in Somerset. We began in the boiler room to grasp and understanding of the infrastructure with the heating system run on wood pellets. Whilst this unlocked further discussion into the makeup of the building from the solar panels, a MVHR air flow system, etc. With the technical aspects outlined, we moved onto explore the building features such as the open plan ground level with floor to ceiling glazed units framing the stunning courtyard. The spiral staircase providing a focal point leading to a balcony that has been cut into the roof to allow light to flood the lower ground level. The building had a modern stylish feel, with plenty of characterful features to remind the viewer of its once agricultural past, with worn stoneware, along with disused water networks, used to channel the water into the barn complex once upon a time for the livestock.  

On a glorious mid-summer day, the courtyard complex gave a sense of being in the Mediterranean as the light, stepped terrace and contemporary planting formed a stunning external space to complement the barn conversion.

Finally, we treated ourselves to a pit stop at the recently opened ‘The Creamery’ as Theo also had a hand in leading this landmark project over the past four years. A huge thank you to Theo Scaramanga for taking the time to run through this highly sustainable and sensitive project. Along with sharing his expertise within the field of architecture to help support our potential architects within the group.  

George Cole - Art Teacher

We recently recorded an alumni film with Theo Scaramanga which can be viewed here.

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