The Ashton Porter Architects' new layout for a single-level studio of a semi-detached house in London makes a breakup between work and domestic life for its residents. The project incorporates a courtyard garden between the house and studio that’s landscaped with timber decking, including hatches that open to reveal a sandpit, fire pit and paddling pool.
A shiny strip round the bottom of the studio’s wooden facade makes it appear to float above the floor, which is the same level inside as out on the decking. Corrugated aluminium cladding on the side and rear elevations make reference to a typical garden shed.
The studio is constructed from stressed plywood insulated wall panels. On the front elevation addressing the garden the wall forms a structural truss to allow it to float above a low-level glass panel. From the garden this floating, and apparently solid, timber end wall creates a distinct separation to the studio space.
The floor of the studio and the timber garden are at the same level; from within the studio this reads as a continuous surface as a reminder of the ambiguity of home and work space. Photography by Andy Stagg.
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