The Cube

The Cube - a freestanding library and study - is part of a studio/residential complex set in a beautiful countryside location overlooking the South Downs.

The building was originally conceived as a "place of contemplation" for our artist client to cut himself off from his manic pace of life, and to concentrate on his art. As the project developed it gradually took a more defined form and has now become a fully functional library and study.

The architecture was driven by the strong geometry of the overall group of buildings and the aim was, from its onset, to create a cube; a volume without distraction, interrupted only by carefully controlled views of the its natural setting.

The main timber structure is exposed and serves as built-in shelving, the articulation serving both structural and aesthetic purposes.

A few months after its completion The Cube now sits comfortably at the edge of a grove of mature trees and offers a gently surreal experience for visitors who find, hidden within its deliberately utilitarian façade, a warm, and hospitable environment: a true Englishman's study manifesting the quirky, creative nature of its owner.