Art studio with Tricoya cladding
A 6m × 3.5m garden studio for abstract artist Rachel Camilleri, clad in wide Tricoya boards, with a glazed corner, wraparound decking and underfloor heating.
This 6m x 3.5m artist’s studio is as visually striking on the outside as the artwork created within. Designed and built by Swift Unlimited, this project showcases a seamless collaboration between the Swift team and abstract artist Rachel Camilleri.
Rachel approached Swift Unlimited with clear ideas about the design, layout, and overall vision for her studio. The team worked closely with her to ensure her ideas were brought to life within the agreed scope.
At a glance
- Size: 6m × 3.5m, designed around the artist’s own ideas for the layout.
- Exterior: Wide boards of Tricoya, an exterior-grade MDF, with the panel joints used as part of the design.
- Glazing: Four-metre aluminium sliding doors and a two-metre picture window make a floor-to-ceiling corner, with a small opening window opposite for air.
- Comfort: SIPs, double glazing and underfloor heating, keeping the artwork and materials in good condition year-round.
- Company: Swift Unlimited, who recommended the Tricoya; dark grey composite decking wraps two sides to match the frames.
The impact of exterior cladding on garden room design
The exterior cladding of a garden room plays a pivotal role in its overall appearance, long-term maintenance requirements, and design budget. Selecting the right cladding can transform your garden room, balancing aesthetics with functionality.
As bespoke design specialists, Swift Unlimited offers a wide range of cladding options beyond standard finishes. This flexibility allows clients to choose materials that perfectly align with their design preferences and maintenance needs.
Striking Tricoya cladding for a unique finish
For Rachel’s studio, the team recommended Tricoya panelling-a high-performance, exterior-grade MDF board often used in commercial construction. This material offers distinct advantages over traditional timber cladding, including durability and the ability to install wide boards without the risk of warping.
The wide boards used in this project create a bold, clean-lined finish. The panel joints have been transformed into a design feature, enhancing the studio’s modern aesthetic.
Tricoya is also a cost-effective alternative to premium timber options such as Western Red Cedar. Despite its affordability, the final look is polished and high-end.
With an estimated lifespan of 50+ years, Tricoya cladding significantly outperforms traditional timber claddings in longevity and resilience.
A corner of aluminium-framed glazing
The studio’s minimalist exterior is complemented by a corner of floor-to-ceiling glazing. This feature includes 4-metre wide aluminium sliding doors paired with a 2-metre wide picture window on the side elevation. A small, rectangular opening window on the opposite wall ensures ventilation when needed.
The dark grey frames of the glazing are echoed in the composite decking, which wraps around two sides of the studio, creating a stylish and inviting entrance.
Designed for comfortable year-round use
Like all Swift Unlimited projects, this studio is built for year-round comfort. The structure is crafted with highly insulated SIP panels, and the double-glazed doors and windows enhance thermal performance. Underfloor heating ensures a warm, comfortable environment even in the coldest months.
This high-specification build ensures Rachel’s artwork and materials are stored in optimal conditions-crucial for any artist’s studio.
Explore more of Rachel’s work
To see more of Rachel’s captivating artwork, visit her website.
Learn more about Swift Unlimited
Discover how Swift Unlimited can bring your garden room vision to life. Contact the Swift Unlimited team on 01625 875 588 or email support@swiftunlimited.co.uk. Visit www.swiftorg.co.uk to explore more examples of their stunning projects.
