RIBA National Award 2015
RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2015 Finalist
The brief for the Garden Studio was to accommodate a small and discreet space for the residents of Myrtle Cottage.
Between architect and client, concepts were discussed such as creating a “ha-ha”, or natural forms of shelter on the site.
The intensive planted roof disappears into the flora of its surroundings. The walls become stone garden walls which retain the undulating level changes on the site.
Windows are located at key locations, to maximise views. Certain views are framed - to particular trees, or to the American Museum across the valley. The Garden Studio is clad in pre-patinated copper to blend with the natural colours of the landscape.
Internally soft, crafted materials line the surfaces, as elements of furniture. An oak lined storage wall incorporates a sofa bed, a wood burner, and cupboards.
The project was completed in Spring 2014, and has been accepted by the local deer community, who have been spotted wandering over and around the Garden Studio - a testament to the concept.
“The perfect job is one delivered on time, on budget and to specification. If it is possible to go beyond perfect, that is exactly what Stonewood Design have done for us. We have a building that we love to look at and love to occupy. People passing our house regularly ask about it and even take photos.
The Stonewood Design team themselves are an absolute pleasure to work with. They are full of ideas but still take great pains to listen to our needs and input.
Their attention to detail and the love and care they have taken over our project is something else. We have worked with several other architectural practices over the years, but would recommend Stonewood Design first and foremost every time.”
Jane Atkinson and Steve Darling Conkwell Garden Studio January 2014
The key driver to achieving the brief was to create a design which worked seamlessly with the natural forms and levels of the garden, in order that an architecture is created which is less of a building, and more of a landscape.
The Garden Studio serves as space to work, to sew, to play guitar, to sleep, or as a hide to observe the woodland wildlife.