garden studio
One of several projects set within the grounds of our Lakeside House project, this pavilion-like building provides space for a home-working studio. The new studio occupies an area of derelict terracing to the southern edge of the walled garden which lies to the south of the main House.
The ambition was to transform this currently overgrown and run-down part of the garden into a flourishing, biodiversity-rich sanctuary; within easy reach of the House and yet in a world of its own. As with the main house designs, the ambition was to create a structure that felt sympathetic to the historic fabric of the house yet be clearly off its own time and sit comfortably within the beautiful woodland and lakeside surroundings.
The designs are for a new landscape of planted terraces, within which the studio building nestles, taking the form of a roofed garden, lifted up to create new spaces beneath. The drop in ground level down the slope provides an opportunity to cut in to the slope, minimising the visual presence of the building from the house and creating a sense of the structure being of the garden and the woodland around it.
Set within the existing walled garden walls, the new terraced landscape connects back up to the house via a reinstated axial path surrounded by dense prairie planting perfect for encouraging bees and other pollinators.
The studio space inhabits the south-east corner of the walled garden, benefiting from views and light to the west, south and east across the woodland garden. A small ‘nook’ is created in the corner allowing users to sit and enjoy a more intimate setting next to the wood- burning stove and the surrounding landscape. A large picture window to the south captures the colours and textures of surrounding trees, and also provides views down to the lake. To the west a wall of sliding glazed doors can open up the building, and extend the studio space onto the external terrace. A small entrance space, kitchenette, wc, shower and storage are tucked away to the back of the building under a lower roof forming part of the upper terrace.
A warm buff brick is proposed for the outer walls to reflect the colour and texture of the yellow sandstone within the main house, but distinct from that stonework to ensure a clarity for the intervention being made. This tone also compliments the colours and textures of the existing rubble stone walling of the walled garden. Walls are faced in brick, both inside and out, with the same brick used within the landscaping design.
Localised areas of oak-faced panelling and screens are used to create layering and compliment the warm tone of the brick. Large areas of glazing and sliding glazed doors are to be framed in oak with sections of oak louvre detailing. The timber detailing and a timber floor and exposed timber roof structure are proposed to give the building a soft and natural material feel. It is important that the building feels embedded and comfortable in its setting and does not detract from the beauty of the surrounding woodland garden.
The proposed roof is an intensive green wildflower roof, with galvanised steel edging. This is designed to soften the building and blend in with the terraced garden and forest beyond. Additionally the roof will provide an extended habitat for insects and native species to grow, flourish and enhance biodiversity.
Explore the other Lakeside projects we are working on:
Team
Client : Private
Quantity Surveyor : Morham & Brotchie Partnership
Structural Engineer: David Narro Associates
M&E Engineers: Irons Foulner
Landscape Designer: Secret Gardens Design
Arboricultural Consultant: Donald Rodger Associates
Ecology Consultants: Findlay Ecology Services & The Wildlife Partnership