Weald and Downland Gridshell

The Weald and Downland Gridshell is a timber building shaped like a curved net, designed to house a museum and workshop spaces for a heritage site. The structure uses thin layers of oak laths connected with steel plates to create its smooth, arched form.

The building was constructed between 2000 and 2002 and became the first of its kind in the United Kingdom to use this timber gridshell construction method. Engineers developed and tested the design concept before implementing it at this site.

The building holds artifacts that show how rural people lived and worked in the region, focusing on agriculture, crafts, and everyday domestic life from earlier times. Visitors can see objects that reveal the skills and traditions that shaped local communities.

The building is located on a heritage museum site and connects with other buildings and outdoor areas on the grounds. It is best visited as part of a wider exploration of the site, so plan time to see the surrounding spaces as well.

Before building at the museum, engineers tested the construction system at the famous Pompidou art center in Paris, where it temporarily served as an entrance canopy. This real-world experience at a renowned location helped them refine the method.