Calico Garden Studio, Cambridge
New contemporary home garden studio for a painter and textiles designer.
Calico is a plain-woven cloth, often made from unbleached cotton, widely used for mock-ups and experimentation of forms within the textile industry. The studio echoes these principles through its architecture, acting as a retreat for methodical testing and prototyping.
In the grounds of the designer's residence, the design provides a light and refreshing working environment. Indirect dappled light moves across the room throughout the day, with direct light interrupted by the staggered repetition of timber beams. The natural hues of the timber also lend a warmth to the light. The size and positioning of the glazing provides a connection to the garden and allows the workspace to interact with changes in the weather and seasons.
The textures and colour palette chosen were inspired by the textile industry to create a warm, calming yet inspiring atmosphere. The contemporary design incorporates clean lines and shadow gaps that help to break up flat surfaces.
The external façade frames and adds emphasis to the window opening with an angled timber facet to help control the incoming light. The timber contrasts with the fluted cast concrete base and is architecturally divided into thirds.
