Tiny ADU

The studio as viewed from Michael and Eleanor's house

The project's key materials, including sustainable ESB plywood, hemp insulation, and painted Douglas fir siding

Approaching the Garden Studio's entrance, marked by he smaller of its two windows

Working in the Garden Studio since its August completion, Michael Dillon says he is more in tune with wildlife, and the seasons.

The window perfectly frames the landscape outside, a protected natural area.

At 161 .5 square feet, there's room for little more than one large desk and chair. Yet the window perfectly frames the landscape outside, a protected natural area.

With its pitched roof and ribbed wood cladding, the Garden Shed fits into its surroundings. But its big window makes it contemporary.

In the British countryside, Stirling Prize nominee Michael Dillon builds a tiny office as an exercise in low-carbon, low-cost construction.

The Garden Studio sits behind the couple's home, a former council house.

As seen in an architectural drawing, the house is nestled into a gently sloping hillside.

Floor Plan of Dark Matter by HyperSpace

At night, the workspace appears as a giant lantern set in the garden.

“The studio is designed to give you vistas and sight lines across the whole garden,” Andrew says.

The interior side of the pivot door is outfitted with pale plywood that joins with the plywood walls.

The light chimneys are comprised a perforated form that extends from a skylight, funneling sunlight.

To harness sunlight for the interior, Andrew created "light chimneys."

Oiled oak floors, plywood walls, and a vaulted ceiling provide a light, serene feeling on the interior.

“I’ve been really surprised at how well-designed space can positively make you feel,” Wayne says. “My productivity levels have shot through the roof.”

“I’ve been really surprised at how well-designed space can positively make you feel,” Wayne says. “My productivity levels have shot through the roof.”