Shatwell Farm studio

The dilapidated walls and roof of an old stone and brick barn were removed, and the remaining walls carefully stabilised and repaired. Within these, two timber structures have been inserted, with a single new roof extending the full length of the building to provide a covered entrance.

Identical in size, the two timber volumes are differentiated through their fenestration and fit-out. The north building provides a studio space and is characterised by large French windows that offer views to the wooded valley outside. In contrast, the south building houses a drawing archive and display space, and is predominantly top-lit by a generous rooflight.

The new building shell is constructed of a single layer of solid crosslaminated timber without insulation, external wall cladding or internal lining. In contrast, the engineered spruce construction, the floors of the two large rooms are fitted out with hardwood ‘mats’ using timber felled from the surrounding woodlands and dried in the neighbouring wood store.