This competition entry for a new Railway Museum in Shildon is a focussed response to the exacting technical requirements and tightly constrained budget established by the brief.
The structural solution employs column-supported glulam timber beams under a cross-laminated timber (CLT) deck. The internal coffered ceiling formed by the deep beams establishes a consistent rhythm, punctuated by soft notes of sunlight from roof-mounted, north-facing ‘light scoops’, delivering natural light while mitigating internal heat gain. The surface of the roof is both solar farm and green roof, generating electricity and providing habitats for local species.
Between primary perimeter columns, the external wall build-up – designed to regulate relative humidity – comprises an internal self-finished lime render, hygroscopic hempcrete blocks, a ventilated air gap and a vertically corrugated polycarbonate sheets with carefully detailed shadow gaps.
A proposal of radical simplicity, Locomotion 2 employs the logic of minimalism in the service of a cost-effective and quietly beautiful building with an ambitious operational and embodied energy profile. More than just a train shed.