A London Couple's Backyard Studio Is Clad in Sustainable Cork
A musician-and-seamstress couple commission a shared workspace in their elegant garden.
Designed by London-based design studio Surman Weston, Cork Study is a simple volume that creates harmony between the exterior setting and the creative endeavors that happen inside. It is a synchronized solution for work and play, formed from simple and sustainable materials.
Wai Ming Ng
The narrow site and surrounding greenery provided ample inspiration for the design solution. The multipurpose cork cladding is an innovative solution which acts as both the weatherproofing layer as well as the thermal and acoustic insulator. The natural color and texture of the cork immerse the volume in the surroundings. In addition, a wildflower sedum roof blends the simple volume into the tree canopies above.
This backyard home office for a couple in London is constructed with all-timber structural framing and is clad in cork and topped with a vegetated roof. These eco-friendly materials make for a delightfully sensory space with lots of lighting provided by the skylight and glass and oak door.
Wai Ming Ng
Wai Ming Ng
On the interior, the simple mass is lined with birch plywood and filled with natural light, emitting a warm glow. A large skylight draws light in from above, while a slot window provides views to the neighboring gardens. The furniture, also composed of plywood, is hung from the walls to create a feeling of spaciousness within the condensed volume. A shared desk unit with built-in storage is decorated with the owners' personal belongings. The large, oak-framed pocket door may be fully opened to provide direct connection to the garden.
Wai Ming Ng
Wai Ming Ng
Wai Ming Ng
The innovative use of materials is also eco-friendly. The all-timber structural framing, in combination with the vegetated roof, cork cladding, and expanded cork blocks, create a fully sustainable construction.
Through construction, material qualities, and sensory experiences, the Cork Study is a simple solution for a harmonious workplace, engaged with the natural environment and thoughtfully crafted for creativity and concentration.
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Surman Weston Ltd
Builder: Surman Weston Construction
Structural Engineer: Structure Workshop
Lighting Design: Surman Weston Ltd
Interior Design: Surman Weston Ltd
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