the garden studio gym by london-based eastwest architecture is a private workout space situated in the rear yard of a house in walthamstow village. as there are no fitness zones in the local area, the team’s response has been to design a contemporary interpretation of a garden shed.

eastwest architecture garden studio gym london designboom
the studio is covered in burnt cedar timber cladding
all images © naaro

 

 

in the end, eastwest architecture has developed a multifunctional interior with a fresh twist on the traditional residential hut. however many restrictions have been encountered, as the architects had to work on the permitted development regulations and a small footprint within the garden. given how these limitations only allow a certain roof height, the team had to work around it by lowering the ground floor — since there is no local or national policy on digging.

eastwest architecture garden studio gym london designboom
context overview – the garden gym studio is situated in london’s walthamstow village

 

 

furthermore, the limited budget meant using a concrete base and timber frame with modular qualities — offering a simple palette of four materials externally and internally. for the outdoor skin, the garden studio gym is covered by burnt cedar timber cladding supplied by shou sugi ban and has an opening on the right side to let natural daylight in. the window also connects the interior space to the garden steps, while the glass return lifts the corner of the workout studio — making the form less imposing in appearance.

eastwest architecture garden studio gym london designboom
the contrast between the burnt cedar timber and the light colored birch ply

 

 

studio walls are covered by staggered panels of birch ply and complemented by a black rubber floor. the ply creates a warm atmosphere which is enhanced with yellow lights for a warm interior glow against the dark exterior, getting the owners motivated to cross the garden even on an early winter’s morning. by focusing on the final details of the project, such as the discreet door lintel and the hidden connection for the punch bag, the garden gym studio can be easily turned into a calming yoga room or a workspace. 

eastwest architecture garden studio gym london designboom
detail of the burnt cedar door frame

eastwest architecture garden studio gym london designboom
the punch bag can be taken down to use the space for other purposes

eastwest architecture garden studio gym london designboom
a frameless full height mirror covers the main wall, as it extends the scene for workout sessions

 

 

project info:

 

architect: eastwest architecture
structural engineer: ramboll
burnt cedar timber cladding: shou sugi ban

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom