ABOUT

Nestled near the village of Markham Moor, just five miles south of Retford, stands a building that defies the conventions of its rural Nottinghamshire surroundings. This architectural gem boasts a quirky roof that first graced the skyline over 60 years ago, resembling something out of a science-fiction novel in its initial construction and maintaining an undeniably futuristic allure to this day.

Constructed in 1960, this distinctive structure, often referred to as the 'butterfly' building, is the brainchild of the visionary architect Sam Scorer. A testament to his innovative spirit, Scorer ingeniously transformed an old petrol station into a mesmerizing Little Chef, featuring a hyperbolic-paraboloid roof design that sets it apart as a unique and enduring piece of architectural history.

The mastermind behind this captivating structure, Sam Scorer, born Hugh Segar Scorer, left an indelible mark on the landscape with the assistance of structural engineer Dr. Hajnal-Kónyi. Originally conceived as a canopy for a petrol filling station, the building now stands as a listed structure, an extraordinary example of thin shell concrete roof design when compared to its motorway counterparts.

The 'butterfly' building's roots in architectural history trace back to the 1920s in Germany, where thin shell concrete roofs were first conceived. Serving as a revolutionary method for achieving expansive spans with minimal materials and at a cost-effective price point, these roofs became a hallmark of architectural innovation, a tradition skillfully continued by Sam Scorer in Nottinghamshire.

This photographic project, commissioned by Starbucks, sought to capture the interior and exterior of the 'butterfly' building. Today, as the building stands as a testament to time, it not only pays homage to the genius of its architect but also serves as a striking reminder of the symbiosis between historical influences and forward-thinking design. The 'butterfly' building, with its timeless aesthetic and rooted connection to the pioneering spirit of thin shell concrete roof architecture, continues to captivate the imagination, inviting all who encounter it to appreciate the harmonious blend of past and future.