'a beautifully
crafted
garden studio,
defined by a
biodiversity boosting
scaly facade'
dark matter
a. Scales are offset by 10mm and angled by 15 degrees
15°
'a scaly facade forms
a tapestry
of crevasses or
"habitats"
for arachnids
x insects'
b. Scales create crevasses for insects boosting
biodiversity
description
A scaly biodiverse façade defines a garden workspace. Hidden within a garden on a suburban plot in the market town of Tring, Hertfordshire, U.K. The studio was made possible by readapting the ruins of a former garage, into a 35m2 studio designed as a workspace for a design recruiter. Defined by 850 larch scales 'Dark Matter’s' façade is arrayed in a uniform grid, offset from each other by a precise 10mm. Each scale is then chamfered at 15 degrees forming a tapestry of crevasses or 'habitats for arachnids and insects. These biodiverse walls form the outer rain-screen cladding of the studio. The palette has a subtle charred pattern, differing depending on the intensity of heat used the char varies from deep crackling to smooth singes. Blade like reveals cut this scaly tapestry at the openings, Hooded apertures form external stoops to sit and contemplate at. The studio has a simple rectangular plan with one corner cut away. The cut away forms the entrance, cantilevered the opening is framed and divided by a centrally pivoting extra wide bespoke scaly door.
materials
The black facade of char is in deep contrast to the interior. White oiled timber rafters and pale poplar plywood panels line the space. The bright interior is disrupted by a pair of blackened 'light chimneys' hung from the roof the perforated objects mimic the dappled sunlight of a trees canopy, dispersing diffused light throughout the space.
collaboration
Date - 2022 Cost M2 - £1285 GIFA - 35m2 Structural Engineer - Constant Contractor - Richard Routley Joiner - Paul Crudge Landscape - Thomas Ellis Photographer - Simon Kennedy
awards
Archdaily Building of 2024 - Nominee Archilovers - Best of 2023 Dezeen Awards - Longlist - Small projects 2023 Wood Awards 2023 - Highly Commended - Best New Timber Building in the UK RIBA HAA Awards - Highly Commended