As BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend descends upon Stockwood Park in Luton, drawing thousands of music and young people to its lush grounds, Buttress finds itself reminiscing on a project completed fifteen years ago. The bustling park, now a venue for major headline acts like Coldplay, RAYE, Chase & Status, and Olly Alexander, serves as a poignant backdrop for reflecting on our work at Stockwood Park.
Fifteen years ago, Buttress embarked on a transformative journey to design the Stockwood Discovery Centre Project—a £1.8 million endeavour aimed at seamlessly integrating the existing Stockwood Park Museum with the Mossman Collection of horse-drawn carriages. Our vision manifested in a timber-framed gateway building, nestled beside a historic garden wall dating back to 1740. The project not only housed visitor facilities and extended gallery spaces but also showcased sustainable features such as a sedum roof, wood pellet-fuelled boiler and natural ventilation.
Soon, the park will pulsate with music and energy for The Big Weekend and we are proud to witness how our design continues to enrich the visitor experience.
Soon, the park will pulsate with music and energy for The Big Weekend and we are proud to witness how our design continues to enrich the visitor experience.
Moreover, recently our collaboration with the client to enhance sustainable facilities underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
As Buttress celebrates Stockwood Park's role as a vibrant cultural hub during BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, we are reminded of the enduring impact of thoughtful design. Our journey from past to present at Stockwood Park stands as a testament to the power of architecture to inspire, connect, and evolve with the times.
We hope everyone attending The Big Weekend has a great time.
Tom Scott
Stephen Anderson
Stephen leads the practice's heritage team, specialising in projects that involve listed buildings and heritage assets and responding to their impact on place and local communities.