Sandy Rendel Architects

A playful addition to the collection of buildings at Sussex Prairie Gardens allowing visitors panoramic views over the swathes of prairie planting as well as our clients' own out of hours crows nest terrace linked to their adjacent Dutch Barn.

The cylindrical steel tower echoes the character of a grain silo. Its language, as with the adjacent buildings, plays on this vernacular. It avoids over refinement or complexity but is simple and direct using an economy of means, constructed entirely one single material in standard sheet and profile sizes, both to emphasise its form and simplify its procurement.

Externally the tower is clad rolled sheets to that brace the pfc frame. Inside the drum a helical stair winds up two stories past a bridge connecting to the barn’s first floor living space. On the way a variety of circular cut-outs are positioned to frame views and suit the different ages who visit the garden.

The design was detailed in close collaboration with engineers Structure Workshop and fabricator Cranbrook Iron enjoying the limitations of budget, access and a necessarily low-tech approach to fabrication and erection. All components were fully templated to take account of curvature tolerances before the tower was fabricated and erected in the workshop. Transported in parts, it was then reassembled on site by the clients and fabricator with a purpose-built rotating hoist.

For an aerial view of the tower and garden click here.

Photography: Richard Chivers

Project: Sussex Prairies Tower
Design Team: Leonardo Remuzzi (project architect), Sandy Rendel, Oliver Webber
Collaborators: Structure Workshop (Structural Engineer), Cranbrook Iron (Metalwork Fabricator)
Client: Paul and Pauline McBride
Building type: Public, Folly
Location: West Sussex, UK
Status: Completed 2020
Publications: Channel 4 Grand Designs House of the Year 23.11.22, Dwell
Awards: RIBA South East Award, RIBA South East Small Project of the Year, Grand Designs House of the Year Shortlist, Sussex Heritage Trust Award.