Room in a Productive Garden: A Transparent Gymnasium at The Newt in Somerset

Room in a Productive Garden is a 150m² gymnasium designed by Invisible Studio for The Newt Hotel in Somerset, UK. Conceived as a “no building,” the structure serves as a transparent window onto a mature vegetable garden, minimizing distractions and integrating seamlessly with its surroundings. The garden not only provides food for the hotel but also enhances the arrival experience into the gymnasium.

The gymnasium is inspired by traditional greenhouses and orangeries, structures that historically filled the north wall of a vegetable garden. The building sits within the garden, with a 15-meter-wide and 3.3-meter-tall glass panel forming the entire north wall, making it one of the largest continuous glass panels in the world. This expansive glazing offers unobstructed views of the productive garden, creating an immersive experience for users.

Internally, the space is lined entirely in beech, with all services, including lighting and ventilation, concealed between the slats to maintain a clean and uninterrupted surface. Externally, the gymnasium utilizes stone sourced from the site, crushed and rammed into the facing material, harmonizing with the natural surroundings and reflecting the studio’s commitment to using local materials .

Invisible Studio's design philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention and a deep connection to the environment. By positioning the gymnasium as a “window” onto the garden, the building blurs the lines between interior and exterior spaces. The use of local materials and the integration of the structure within the garden context reflect the studio’s commitment to sustainability and contextual design.

Room in a Productive Garden exemplifies Invisible Studio's ethos of creating architecture that is both functional and deeply connected to its environment. The gymnasium serves as a transparent portal into the productive landscape, offering users a unique and immersive experience that celebrates the harmony between built form and nature.

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