Contributing to the creation of "uncompromising beauty" at Walmer Yard by Peter Salter

As a member of the Shaw Building group, I dedicated 2 years of continuous work on the ground breaking four multi-million houses designed by Peter Salter at Walmer Yard, Holland Park. My role as carpenter and joiner was to fit the oak shutters, floors, internal curved doors, four bespoke kitchens, bespoke entrance doors, panelling in the dining rooms and kitchens as well as partitions and dividers.

It was a project like no other, the ask l had not encountered in my 20 year career in carpentry. In some cases the work was attempted for the first time in history. Everything proved to be a challenge because it was bespoke. It was my first go at installing the brilliantly innovative designs of Peter Salter and no templates existed. All joinery was executed within 1.4mm perfection and required lengthy planning and measurement. Everything was made out of high quality oak - a wonderful treat for a carpenter to work with. The project required close collaboration with the architect e.g. he took special care in designing the oak window and door openings for the yurts.

My biggest challenge was to figure out how to create the clay yurt wall beadings because nobody had ever done this or knew how to begin. I managed to create a structure where every mitre joint was made to perfection. I had to dig deep into lessons learnt during my 20 year career as a carpenter. Rules learnt from my school geometry drawings came flooding back. in 2016, upon completing the project, I could not have been prouder and more grateful to learn from and contribute to such a pioneering piece of design and history. I may even get a cool contributor's mention in the Mar 2019 Peter Salter: Walmer Yard official book.

Walmer Yard website: https://www.walmeryard.co.uk/

The Guardian review: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2016/nov/20/walmer-yard-london-peter-salter-review

#craftsmenship #WalmerYard