AA3DS6 // THE FORMALISATION OF NATURE

Turtle Doves are one of the UK's most endangered birds, their existence threatened through habitat removal and hunting. Here a new intervention begins the recovery of this species. With a programme facilitated by a Medlar Brandy Distillery and wildlife sanctuary it aims to convey the importance of habitat retention to farmers and the public. The Dovehide building is a contemporary crafted building utilising thatch, rammed earth and timber. By adapting the forms of the dove tail, a language is created across the building to help unify the building with nature. Adapting the simple carpentry joint, the dove tail, provided anintriguing method of construction and new joinery techniques. The project reinterprets how dovetails can tessellate, simplifying their connections and oversizing their purpose. The thatched facade produced a contemporary form and unified envelope. Thatch is an ancient building material used across England especially in the local area, it requires local tradespeople and is a renewable material, keeping its use in line with the crafted ethos. The design lies in toe with The Arts and Crafts movement, both Turtle Doves and Medlar’s were more prevalent in the middle ages which the movement refers to. The building sits over a public footpath which forms the axis for the project, this slowly turns into a wildlife bridge which crosses the M4, providing safe passage for local wildlife, the landscape strategy encompasses a new wildflower seed meadow which will be rewilded to provide new habitat for the birds. Inside there is an auditorium, aviary, distillery, gallery, wildlife veterinary practice and group learning rooms. Situated on the outskirts of Reading it hopes to educate and inspire people to connect with our impact on the earth.