“This is a truly unique project where art meets architecture in an exceptional location where we hope Sam (Mr Doodle) will follow in the legacy of other artists drawn to this place.” – Guy Hollaway
We are thrilled to announce that planning approval has been granted for a replacement dwelling in Dungeness for internationally renowned artist Mr Doodle. The Folkestone and Hythe Planning Committee approved the proposal last night, with 9 votes to 3, marking an exciting milestone in this unique project.
Dungeness is a truly distinctive location – Britain’s only desert. Its stark landscape is shaped by harsh coastal weather and an array of unusual features; The landscapes are scattered with remnants of shipwrecks, metal debris, and fishing boats that line the shingle beach. Among these relics, a variety of structures – both abandoned huts and contemporary buildings stand in striking contrast to the natural surroundings.
When the Lydd Railway Company closed in 1937, former employees were offered to purchase decommissioned train carriages, which were often converted into homes, now serving as a significant part of the area’s history. At the proposed site, two train carriages are enveloped in white timber cladding, making them entirely unrecognisable.
The design celebrates and adds to the quirky character of Dungeness; The established historical vernacular is retained through exposing the railway carriages. Externally, its structure will be expressed by recessed cladding details, and internally it will be sensitively restored with features exposed. The buildings materials and form draws inspiration from the architectural context of the place, with pitched roofs often found in the abandoned rusting sheds and reflected in the traditional and contemporary architecture of the place.
Working closely with Mr Doodle, the building is wrapped in his artwork, with doodles laser cut into metal panels that will rust over time. The design compliments the artistic and free-spirited nature of Dungeness, the Artist and the historic railway carriages, whilst considering the harsh weather in Dungeness by protecting the property from the costal conditions, and will stand the test of time.