ceramic artist’s wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK

okopod blend the new studio's contemporary aesthetics with mid-century original elements for a refined and functional design.

ria edited by christina vergopoulou September 8, 2024 3 min

prefer designboom on google

ceramic artist’s Home Studio in Girton by Okopod

Okopod has designed a home studio in Girton, UK, for Cambridge-based ceramic artist, Katharina Klug, emphasizing sustainability and sensitivity to the surrounding environment. The studio was built on a site with mature trees, which were carefully preserved by constructing the structure on piles to allow the tree roots to thrive. The original 80s-built house featured mid-century design elements and a garden large enough to accommodate the artist’s envisioned studio.

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 1 — all images by Timothy Soar, courtesy of Okopod

Ceramic Artist’s Home Studio incorporates sustainable materials

The design maximizes natural light and incorporates sustainable materials, using natural insulation and prioritizing wood over concrete. The exterior is clad in STK Cedar, featuring extra-wide shadow gap detailing, adding a refined yet natural aesthetic. The use of prefabrication techniques ensures minimal environmental impact, aligning with Okopod studio’s commitment to green building.

The studio integrates into the existing property, which features mid-century architectural elements. The design by Okopod blends contemporary aesthetics with environmentally conscious choices, offering a functional, light-filled space that enhances the artist’s work environment while respecting the natural landscape. This project showcases the potential for sustainable, site-sensitive design in residential spaces.

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 2 — Okopod design a sustainable home studio for a Cambridge ceramic artist

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 3 — the original 80s-built house features mid-century design elements that complement the new studio

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 4 — the studio was built on piles to preserve the site’s mature trees and protect their roots

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 5 — sustainable materials, including natural insulation, were used in the construction process

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 6 — the design prioritizes wood over concrete, reducing the environmental impact of the build

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 7 — the exterior cladding of the studio is crafted from STK Cedar with extra-wide shadow gap detailing

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 8 — prefabrication techniques were employed to ensure minimal environmental disruption

ceramic-artist-home-studio-okopod-ashworth-parkes-architects-designboom-1800-2 — the studio integrates seamlessly into the garden, respecting the natural landscape

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 9 — contemporary aesthetics blend with mid-century elements for a refined and functional design

ceramic artist's wood-clad studio extends 80s-built house in the UK - 10 — the studio’s light-filled interior enhances the artist’s creative process and productivity

ceramic-artist-home-studio-okopod-ashworth-parkes-architects-designboom-1800-3 — the project demonstrates the potential for sustainable design in residential workspaces

project info:

name: Ceramic Artist’s Home Studio
architects: Okopod | @okopod
location: Girton, Cambridge, UK

photography: Timothy Soar

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.