AOMD


Garden Studio, Tunbridge Wells

The Garden Studio was conceived as a small-scale exploration into our approach to low-tech, locally sourced and material first design. The design questions building fundamentals; removing unnecessary concrete, toxins, plastics and glues, focusing on recycled, natural materials. As such, additional membranes and linings are removed, the building is conceived as a fully breathable structure. The project celebrates its material’s inherent quality to make a tactile interior, that is flexible to adaptation.

Visible from the deep valley, area of natural beauty and ancient woodlands opposite, the studio takes influence from the tones and hues of this changing and dramatic landscape. The building uses a bold palette of cobalt blue oiled UK sourced Douglas fir. The façade design draws from the weatherboarded vernacular homes and outbuildings that line the perimeter of the woodland. Contemporary slim line detailing, and a generous picture window offset this simple, traditional building form. The interior uses traditional domestic details such as wooden panelling, recalibrated in new materials, to form a cosy and comfortable space.


Study window view, Photo, Rory Gaylor
Cross section, digital image
Construction photo, photo, Michael Dillon
View out, photo, Michael Dillon
View from the valley, Photo, Rory Gaylor
Study view, Photo, Rory Gaylor