Bernat Klein Studio, Selkirk Building Project by Studio DuB, Scottish Concrete Structure Design, Images
Bernat Klein Studio, Borders
Modern Selkirk Building in Scottish Borders, southern Scotland – design by Peter Womersley
post updated 25 May 2019 ; 24 Apr 2014 + 3 Oct 2008
Bernat Klein CBE
Bernat Klein CBE Hon FRIAS : One of the Most Notable Scottish Architectural Clients of the 20th Century
Back in 2014 e-architect reported on the death of celebrated textile designer Bernat Klein CBE.
This post focuses on architect Peter Womersley’s design of a space for the reception of clients, designing, weaving and displaying fabric samples. Klein?s high profile clients included top European fashion houses such as Balenciaga. The building was published on the cover of the acclaimed Japanese publication A+U in its first year of circulation. The bold concrete design was engineered by structural engineers Ove Arup.

photos : Rebecca Wober
RIAS President, Iain Connelly commented at the time of his death, ?Bernat Klein?s influence as a designer and an entrepreneur went well beyond Scotland. Through his close links with fashion houses including Chanel, Dior, Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent he brought Scottish fabric and design to the world.
For a generation of architects, however, he was revered as a brilliant client who, along with his architect, Peter Womersley, created two of the most important Scottish buildings of the latter half of the Twentieth century. He had a li...