Harlow Carr Gardens

Crag Lane, Harrogate

 

An invited competion entry to develop a Library and Education Centre for the Royal Horticultural Society. The brief called for the centre to "provide, by informal and formal means, an understanding of the importance and aesthetics of plants, gardens and techniques involved in their creation and maintenance".

 

As well as re-housing the existing Library facility the new building provides a demonstration space where adults and children can work in groups carrying out practical exercises such as pruning, basket weaving, flower arranging etc.

 

We proposed a timber frame structure with an organic form to create a strong visual identity within the site. The main demonstration space is clad with cedar shingles, the workshops and ancillary accommodation are finished with local standstone and lime render.

 

The demonstration space has direct access to an outdoor teaching areas and the gardens as a whole.