JAWS (James and Wakana's Studio)
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View of East elevation within Mews
Matthew and David-Design Ltd Download Original
New build pottery studio located within a private London mews.
JAWS (James and Wakana’s Studio) is a purpose-built pottery studio located within a private mews in South East London.
The studio is located in a dense urban setting, tucked away behind a typical Victorian stretch of terraced houses on a parcel of land just 4.2 x 6.4 metres, which was once part of the garden to the adjacent house.
The brief was to create an inspiring yet utilitarian light-filled space on this pocket-sized piece of land, by maximising its height within the constraints posed by its urban context. This led and informed the shaping of the dynamic roof geometry which simultaneously maximises height whilst limiting its impact on the neighbouring properties, respecting their rights to light as well as their outlook.
The materials palette takes the traditional London stock brick of the surrounding garden walls to form the solid plinth of the studio creating a contrast to the clean, angular Equitone fibre cement board cladding which echoes the colour and tone of surrounding slate roofs. Natural light is provided by two large rooflights, French doors to the private courtyard and a slot window straddling the two external wall treatments. A strip of Sedum green roof reintroduces an element of green space and integrates the studio into its urban garden setting.
The interior is kept clean and simple with birch faced ply lining to the roof and wrapping around the walls to meet the painted brickwork plinth which provides a more robust finish for the pottery. Side openings are kept to a minimum to maintain privacy and maximise wall space for storage and shelving.
Despite being hidden from the nearby high street the studio has already become a popular addition to the mews and talking point with residents and visitors.
Data
- Begun: Apr 2017
- Completed: Sep 2017
- Floor area: 17m2
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Total cost: £50,000
- Funding: Private finance
- Tender date: Dec 2016
- Procurement: JCT MWD
- Address: 29 Honor Oak Park, London, SE23 1DZ, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Matthew and David - Design Ltd
- Client: James Youngs and Wakana Yoshihara
- Designer: Matthew and David - Design Ltd
- Consultant and Structural Engineer: McHenry Structures
- Building Contractor: PSS Buiding Services
Suppliers
- External Cladding Supplier: Marley Eternit
- Green roof subcontractor: Vella Ltd