Stanbrook Abbey, Wass Building, Ryedale Architecture, North Yorkshire Religious Community
Stanbrook Abbey Building, Wass
North Yorkshire Architecture, north England, UK ? design by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS)
3 Jan 2017
Stanbrook Abbey Building in Wass
Conventus of our Lady of Consolation – North Yorkshire Religious Community
Design: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios Architects
Location: Wass village, Ryedale district, North Yorkshire, Northern England, UK

Photos © Tim Crocker
Simplicity, tranquillity and calm were the design qualities the nuns most strongly valued. The architects felt that an orthogonal plan would be most successful, providing restful vistas and axes, with a courtyard to act as the central focus. The church and chapel provide a more organic counterpoint to the orthogonal plan.
Using a delicate palette of materials and innovative structural solutions we have created a set of spaces that are both inspiring in their visual connections to the surrounding landscape, and simple in their practical details.

Taking full advantage of natural light and views, the monastery relates closely to the surrounding undulating landscape.

The brief required part of the monastery to be entirely private and other areas fully available and welcoming to the public.

photo © Peter Cook
Access to the building is from the east side and the views and sunshine are to the south. All shared areas therefore had to be positioned on the east side of the building, with serv...