House of Stone
Architecture: BArch
Archie Davenport-Young
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Atelier 02: Urban Monastery
Project
I have designed an artist retreat in Newark-on-Trent, which aims to revive the trade of stonemasonry by having visitors take part in an intensive course to learn the craft. Newark has a strong history of stonemasonry, seen in landmarks like Newark Castle and the Trent Bridge, and my design responds to this heritage while exploring the cyclical nature of time—a theme inspired by celestial movements, seasons, and the natural transformation of stone itself. By integrating work, learning, and reflection, this retreat offers a holistic and immersive experience, where visitors engage deeply with the craft of stonemasonry while connecting to concepts of stone, time, nature, and transformation.
Project
The retreat follows the four stages of time: birth, growth, decay, and renewal. This philosophy is embedded in the design, by using modern stone construction techniques and expressing stone at every opportunity within my contemporary monastery, the ‘House of Stone. The retreat blends work, rest, and contemplation. Visitors will have spaces to learn and practice stonemasonry, alongside areas for eating, drinking, relaxation, meditation, and sleep. The environment is tailored to the needs of craftsmen, ensuring comfortable and practical workspaces that function in all weather.
