Garden Studios - The Idea
As our lifestyles become increasingly compartmentalised, division by function is reflected in our homes. Today even modest homes are divided into living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, breakfast rooms, kitchens, laundries and so on, increasingly in larger suburban homes – gymnasiums, libraries, bars and games rooms are installed. Based upon new lifestyle desires, advances in technology and an increasing demand for distinctly modern structures, Atelier was commissioned by Apropos to go to the next level in the design and construction of highly efficient contemporary garden buildings as more appropriate alternatives to existing architectural typologies namely conservatories and garden rooms.
Contemporary Garden Buildings - The Vision
“We wanted to create something different. We wanted to create something better. We started with a clean sheet, throwing all of our preconceptions about these kind of structures out of the window. We set out to create something that was sustainable, stylish, flexible, functional and future proofed. We had state of the art digital tools at our fingertips; from structural analysis programs to building energy analysis tools and rapid prototyping machines. It all started with a sketch. A simple curved line was enough to get us going. A curved edge, hidden fixings, hidden drainage, unsupported cantilevers… the possibilities… Timber is undisputedly the best material for the job. Modern developments in timber technology mean that it can perform just as well as steel or concrete in complex geometries but with added environmental benefits. The elemental beauty of timber juxtaposed against crystal clear glass employed successfully in a contemporary timber garden building is second to none. The selection of all other materials and hardware had to fit with our design ideals… we only want the best.”
Timber Garden Building - The Solution
Atelier has created a series of individual contemporary garden buildings. Variable in size and adaptability, an Atelier garden studio is a subtle exercise in balance between aesthetics and function, between attention to high technology and natural materials and the effect on their surroundings. The modular system facilitates a vast variety of functional or fanciful needs. Individual structures can be configured in ways to express your needs and individuality. The overall space offers a sense of fluidity as highly glazed surfaces open up interior spaces to the landscape and minimize intrusion on nature. Atelier garden studios expresses the ideas of flexibility, portability and compact spaciousness. Whether permanently situated in an urban plot or located in an open garden landscape the Atelier garden studios accommodate a wide range of needs and functions. By optimising the space inside, Atelier has managed to squeeze all the essential functions into a ten metre cube; a dining room, micro living room, gymnasium, library, contemporary garden office, games room, or garden studio etc;