Hauser and Wirth Gallery in Bruton

A cutting edge new art gallery has opened its doors in sleepy Bruton in deep deep Somerset. A beautiful 17th century Grade II listed farm has been converted into a stylish yet eclectic gallery. Several farm buildings are clustered around three courtyards and house different gallery rooms, a shop, a bar and a gorgeous restaurant which spills out into the courtyard. The entire place is buzzing with colourful visitors which seem to be more at home in North London rather than in the cider county. Red stilletos mingle with wellies. The new building is understated and seems a little bland. The main attraction for me however was the brand new garden designed by my landscape design hero Piet Oudolf. An exhibtion showed several planting design plans for some of his iconic projects such as the High Line in New York. It was very interesting to see the creative process especially how the planting plans are layered. I had to hold my breath when I stepped out into the garden. A swirling sea of grasses welcomes the visitors. The star plant is Sporobulus which is planted in large clumps. Large bold groups of Asters, Heleniums, Sedums, Echinacea and Rudbeckias form the perenial planting layer while grasses like Sporobulus, Stipa tenuissima and Panicum virgatum form the matrix planting. I'd love to come back in a years time to see it being more established. A must see on our door step. Go and see it!


http://www.hauserwirthsomerset.com/

Ask an architect

We have been asked to contribute to the 'Ask an architect' section by online design magazine Houzz. This month we advise on choosing the design professional for your home project. This is the link to the article:

http://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/29130103/list/ask-an-architect-how-do-i-hire-someone-to-redesign-my-home