Name
Ana-Maria Mariuta
Course
Contact
anamaria.interiordesigner@gmail.com
About
I’m Ana-Maria Mariuta, an interior design graduate with a background in psychology and a passion for sustainability, poetic storytelling, and adaptive reuse. Originally from Romania, I’ve built my creative voice through a journey that spans cultures, disciplines, and life experiences—from raising four dogs in rural Lancashire to working part-time in hospitality while studying full-time. My approach to design is deeply empathetic and research-driven. I aim to create spaces that connect people with nature and memory, while championing accessibility, wellbeing, and environmental consciousness. My design language blends Scandinavian calmness with biophilic vitality and narrative layers. Throughout my time at UCLan, I’ve developed projects that reimagine forgotten places and propose meaningful futures—spaces for families, communities, and learning. Whether it’s transforming ruins into public sanctuaries or designing modular homes for real clients, my goal is always the same: to design with purpose. Portfolio: https://anamariutadesign.com
Project overview
Arbour Sanctum – A Poetic Revival at Brougham Castle
“Arbour Sanctum” is an architectural intervention that reimagines the ruins of Brougham Castle in Cumbria as an inclusive, multi-sensory experience for families, children, and the local community. Inspired by the organic logic of tree trunks and the poetic stillness of the site, the project consists of sculptural platforms rising from the castle’s inner courtyard—each representing layers of connection between history, nature, and people. The proposal responds directly to feedback from Penrith residents, who asked for creative play spaces, places for gathering, and access to heritage through contemporary interaction. The design includes: a kinetic wall that reacts to sunlight and movement, an outdoor wood-fired restaurant nestled among branches, a contemplative platform with panoramic views, and a dedicated play zone for children aged 0–3. Built with low-carbon, sustainable materials and passive design principles, Arbour Sanctum is more than a structure—it’s a community anchor for future generations. The project honours the brief of the Honours Module (IN3010) by addressing social and environmental issues through the reuse of an existing historic site, offering both a sensory journey and a platform for learning.
This image illustrates Level 3 – "The Nest", a peaceful and reflective space within Arbour Sanctum. Designed for relaxation, quiet observation, and connection with nature, the level features sculptural seating, blooming vegetation, art displays, and a panoramic telescope. Positioned high within the structure, “The Nest” invites visitors to pause, observe the ruins and the sky, and immerse themselves in a poetic, sensory experience that balances stillness and inspiration.
This image captures Platform 3 – "Gathering Branches", part of the Arbour Sanctum project at Brougham Castle. Designed as an elevated outdoor restaurant and social space, the platform brings people together through shared meals, quiet conversations, and photogenic moments beneath the historic walls. Natural textures, warm materials, and climbing vegetation create a welcoming setting for dining, celebration, and community connection—blending the rustic charm of the ruins with the vitality of contemporary design.
This Hero Image presents Arbor Sanctum, a multi-level wooden structure nestled within the ruins of Brougham Castle. Inspired by tree forms and community needs, the design offers playful, educational, and contemplative spaces—bridging heritage and nature through sustainable architecture.
This rendered aerial view showcases the full Arbor Sanctum intervention within the ruins of Brougham Castle. The multi-level timber structure organically rises from the courtyard, rooted in symbolic tree-trunks, and offers spaces for play, rest, dining, learning, and observation. Designed as a response to local community needs, the structure includes: a children's play area on the lower level, a creative workshop platform, an outdoor restaurant with a wood-fired oven, and a panoramic observatory at the top. The design integrates sustainable features such as solar panels, reused timber, and passive strategies, while respecting the existing heritage. Around the main structure, complementary elements like the Entrance Pavilion and interactive play sculptures activate the broader site. This image highlights the balance between old and new, permanence and transformation, offering a vision of heritage that is alive, inclusive, and future-focused.
This image shows the concept for the Entrance Pavilion at Brougham Castle—an open, circular timber structure designed as a welcoming transition space. Inspired by natural forms, it guides visitors from the modern context into the historic site, offering a moment for orientation, interaction, and contemplation. The structure acts as a gentle threshold between the past and the future.
