Honesty in the Landscape
Nestled in the valley landscape between Todmorden and Stoodley Pike Monument, Lumbutts is characterised by its unique geology of sandstone, mudstone, and limestone. The hamlet, with its ageing population and high risk of loneliness, presents an opportunity for meaningful architectural intervention.
The Honesty Pavilion project was designed to become a vibrant community space. Inspired by the surrounding topography and materials impacted by water marks and appearance, the pavilion features a charred timber exterior mimicking aged stone and a warm, inviting wooden interior. This design choice reflects the local architectural language while providing a tactile and visual contrast.
Addressing the isolation of Lumbutts' older residents, the pavilion fosters a new ethos of honesty, complementing Todmorden's established culture of kindness. It serves as a community hub, offering views of Stoodley Pike Monument and connecting to the Incredible Farm via pathways. Positioned near the water, it highlights the environmental impact of agriculture and promotes reflection and transparency about local land use and food sources. The Honesty Pavilion function as an ‘honesty box’ aims to create a sustainable, inclusive space that bridges generations, encourages communal ties, and honours the land's integrity.
Lumbutts serial visions.
From these sketches and analyses of Lumbutts’ forms within the evolving landscape, I developed the pavilion concept. The sketches helped to highlight patterns, revealing thresholds and typologies. Notably, public buildings exhibit vertical dominance, whereas residential structures align more horizontally and slope, echoing the natural flow of rivers and weirs.
Lumbutt’s land analysis map.