The Observatory, Dorset - Competition Entry

Developed through a collaboration between Rock Townsend and Felix McCormack, this project proposes an observatory that both absorbs its surrounding context and offers carefully framed glimpses into the working life of an artist. Central to the design was Felix’s insight into artistic practice: the need to feel entirely at ease within one’s environment, and the importance of uninterrupted views across the landscape as a source of contemplation and inspiration. These ideas became fundamental drivers of the scheme.

Flower meadow with silhouette people walking. Timber and mirror clad studio barn structure sits elevated under a blue sky

interior view of studio space, plywood ceiling, glazed walls and person sitting at a desk with.a computer

Through detailed site analysis, we recognised that the structure itself needed to operate as a destination—an object of curiosity that would draw visitors in. Rather than a static building, the observatory was conceived as a journey, encouraging movement, discovery, and shifting perspectives. The experience unfolds gradually, allowing visitors to engage with both the architecture and the act of creation within.

The design began with a cube, selected for its purity and clarity as a geometric form. Its orthogonal nature deliberately contrasts with the irregularity of the natural surroundings, establishing a distinct architectural presence. By dividing this cube into two interlocking volumes, the scheme accommodates two artists working simultaneously. This intervention also creates a transitional space between the studios, enabling visitors to pass through and catch controlled glimpses into each workspace without disrupting the creative process.

Materiality plays a crucial role in mediating visibility and privacy. The structure is clad in two-way mirrored glass, generating a layered visual experience. From within, artists benefit from uninterrupted outward views, maintaining a strong connection to the landscape. Visitors, at select moments, are offered immersive yet discreet insights into the studio environment. Externally, the building reflects and distorts its surroundings, producing a shifting, almost ethereal presence that blurs the boundary between object and landscape.