"Gorgeous next chapter for this structure!" says commenter

In this week's comments update, readers are discussing the renovation of a Grade II-listed historic recording studio in Somerset by Tuckey Design Studio.

The Wool Hall was converted into a family home and recording studio to celebrate the building's history as an "outlet for craft and musical production".

"Really fine, gentle piece of restoration"

Several readers were impressed. Chewie felt that "the interior sequence of the spaces works well" and that "the contrast between old and new is clever and provides a great variety of spaces".

For Marius, it was a "really fine, gentle piece of restoration, preservation, rehabilitation". They added "kudos to the owners and designers who should be proud."

"Gorgeous next chapter for this structure!" exclaimed JZ. "The details are trim and quiet interventions are a nice contrast to the heavily textured existing surfaces".

Less sure was Tom Roberts, who argued that "none of the original's wit and charm is in the sterile interventions and additions."

Gorgeous or sterile? Join the discussion ›

"Concrete use should be minimised, not maximised"

Commenters failed to reach a consensus on a house in Tokyo by Suzuko Yamada Architects, where concrete was used for both the exterior and interior.

"My body hurts just looking at all that concrete and those sharp edges," winced Jess.

Karl agreed and put forward that "concrete use should be minimised, not maximised."

Also critical of the project was Jb, who argued "this isn't architecture – it's just structure and space functionally derived."

For Jack Woodburn, the residence was a "hideous environment for people, especially children."

However, HintOfBrain hit back to say "I'd love to grow up in this house – it offers an antithesis to the cookie-cutter mentality that permeates America."

What do you think? Join the discussion ›

"Stylish, good looking? Absolutely"

Also piquing the interest of Dezeen readers this week was a travel trailer designed by Airstream and The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, informed by the architect's Usonian design principles.

"Beautiful... it sort of looks art deco-ish", observed Dik Coates.

This sentiment was echoed by Jb, who called the design a "beautifully executed aesthetics-based concept."

"Mass produce them with a FLW-style awning – there's a market", suggested commenter Keith Powers.

Other commenters were on the fence. Michele Cloghesy wrote "stylish, good looking? Absolutely. True to a nomadic lifestyle? Not so much."

Tom Roberts proposed that "they should have taken a cue from his later, more fluid designs instead of the linear rigidity of his earlier ones."

Which camp are you in? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page and subscribe to our weekly Debate newsletter, where we feature the best reader comments from stories in the last seven days.

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