Brewery+: Creating a New Civic Room for the Lake District
A Multicultural Perspective on Rural Community Architecture
When Ivan Tam, a Part 1 Architectural Assistant and Lancaster University graduate, sets out to design, his approach is informed by a rich tapestry of international experiences. Born in Hong Kong, raised amidst French culture, and educated in the UK, Ivan’s work is a compelling amalgamation of cross-cultural insight and architectural sophistication. Recognised for his high-quality visual proposals and a flair for photography, rendering, and narrative branding, Ivan brings a carefully nuanced sensitivity to every project he takes on—none more so than his captivating “Brewery+” scheme, set in the heart of the Lake District.
From Reims to the Lakes: A Journey in Craft and Community
Ivan’s architectural journey is already punctuated by notable achievements, including his Upper Second-Class BA (Hons) in Architecture and professional experience spanning several countries. Not content to confine his learning to the studio, Ivan delivered a private residential renovation in Reims, France—an exercise that deepened his understanding of contextual design and client-centred solutions. Now, as he participates in the INSIDE LVMH programme, Ivan is delving into the world of luxury design, aligning his creative process with the craft, refinement, and iconic visual identity of luxury brands. This fusion of rural and luxury sensibilities finds particularly clear expression in Brewery+, where craftsmanship, materiality, and experience are brought into focus.
Brewery+: An Adaptable Rural Framework
Set in Skelwith Bridge, Brewery+ isn’t just a microbrewery tucked into a picturesque landscape. Rather, Ivan’s vision positions the project as a reimagined civic platform—one that challenges the prevailing trend of generic, underutilised rural spaces. Instead of a rigid object, the scheme adopts an adaptable architectural toolkit, unlocking a variety of uses: bustling markets animate the space with local produce, impromptu performances and workshops foster cultural vitality, and quiet, everyday exchanges happen organically beneath timber canopies.
At the heart of Brewery+ lies a contemplative courtyard, envisioned as a “threshold” between the public and private realms. This carefully choreographed void collects natural light and frames views of the surrounding fells, while opening the programme to the flow of air and people. The courtyard is more than a space; it is a ritualistic anchor, inviting ritual and serendipity in equal measure.
Anchored in Materiality, Rooted in Place
Key to Brewery+ is its sensitivity to the local landscape and economy—a recognition that truly meaningful architecture cannot be parachuted in but must grow from the soil of its setting. Ivan’s design proposes the use of indigenous stone and timber, echoing the textures and tones of the Lake District. The rippling roofline references both traditional agricultural buildings and the undulating topography of the fells beyond. The project’s visual language is one of subtlety and restraint: tactile walls, robust detailing, and honest structure ensure Brewery+ feels as if it has always belonged.
Within the microbrewery itself, exposed timber joinery and hand-crafted copper elements celebrate the artistry of brewing tradition, fostering both transparency and pride in local production. A flexible open-plan arrangement blurs the boundary between makers and visitors, reinforcing the sense of shared ownership and trust.
A Platform for Ritual, Exchange, and Connection
What truly distinguishes Brewery+ is its ambition to nurture social and emotional connection. Ivan envisions the scheme as part market hall, part gathering space, and part performance venue—a genuinely hybrid environment that adapts to the rhythms of rural life. Weekly markets support local producers, concerts bring neighbours together, and seasonal festivities mark the calendar in a place otherwise lacking in such communal venues.
This is not architecture as spectacle, but architecture as choreography—an ongoing, participatory act. By foregrounding adaptability, Ivan’s framework enables both everyday use and extraordinary event, ensuring Brewery+ remains relevant and cherished for years to come.
Visual Storytelling and the Luxury of Craft Experience
Ivan’s skills in rendering and photography play a pivotal role in communicating Brewery+’s strengths. His visuals evoke a tactile atmosphere: filtered sunlight across mossy stone, the warmth of timber in the rain, and animated gathering at dusk. These images do more than simply display a design—they invite viewers to imagine themselves inhabiting these spaces, reinforcing Ivan’s belief in architecture as lived experience.
Furthermore, Ivan’s immersion in the INSIDE LVMH programme infuses the scheme with a spirit of elevated craft and visual clarity. The attention to proportion, detail, and identity resonates with the best traditions of luxury design, while serving the inclusive, open ambitions of rural community architecture.
Connect with Ivan Tam
As Ivan Tam advances in his professional journey, he remains eager to connect with like-minded collaborators, clients, and mentors who share his passion for architecture that is both contextual and emotionally resonant. His full portfolio, including Brewery+ and international projects, is available on request.
Connect with Ivan Tam on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-tamhl
For collaborations or portfolio requests, email: ivantam1011@gmail.com
Whether you are a practice seeking a creative, globally-minded graduate to join your team, a client with a vision for culturally sensitive development, or a fellow designer interested in the intersection of craft, narrative, and place, Ivan is ready to engage in a new dialogue—one whose next chapter may well begin at Skelwith Bridge.
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