Artist's Studio on Stilts: Flood-Protected Garden Room
First Published: 1 April 2018
Refreshed: 21 December 2024
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Building an artist’s studio on a floodplain presents unique challenges. This innovative project required a studio raised on stilts, as planning permission stipulated a minimum height of 1600mm above the ground. Additional restrictions on digging for the foundation and services further shaped the design.
The team at Timeless Garden Rooms, with the guidance of a structural engineer, devised a robust solution: a steel ring beam supported by steel stilts. To enhance the aesthetic, brick pillars were constructed around the steel uprights, complementing the studio’s rustic charm.
A Bespoke Artist’s Studio
The client approached Timeless Garden Rooms with a detailed brief. The studio needed:
- Ample wall space to display large canvases.
- Maximum northern light, preferred by artists for its consistency.
- Artificial lighting to replicate natural daylight for evening work.
- A kitchenette with two Belfast sinks.
- A storage room integrated into the layout.
- A durable floor capable of withstanding paint splashes.
The design team’s task was to incorporate these specific requirements while adhering to planning constraints.
With a clear design brief, the Timeless Garden Rooms team delivered a custom solution.
Asymmetrical Roof Design
Timeless Garden Rooms are renowned for their pitched roof designs. For this project, they developed an asymmetrical roof, with a longer front elevation to maximise wall space and ceiling height. To ensure a seamless, open cathedral ceiling, a universal steel beam was installed, spanning from one gable end to the other. This design eliminated cross beams, allowing large canvases to be hung with ease.
Clever Use of Space
At one end of the studio, a storage area was created, cleverly concealed behind the kitchenette. Grey cabinetry and wall paint turned this functional area into an understated feature.
Lighting to Showcase Artwork
To optimise natural northern light, Velux windows with blackout blinds were installed on the rear roof elevation. Additionally, the team sourced and fitted specialist daylight tubes to replicate natural light for evening use, ensuring artwork could be viewed under ideal conditions at any time.
Durable Flooring
The client required a flooring solution that could endure paint splashes and future refinishing. Engineered wood with a rustic finish was selected, aligning with the studio’s overall aesthetic.
Rustic Exterior Finishes
The client wanted a rustic exterior that avoided a shed-like appearance. Siberian Larch was chosen for the cladding due to its durability and affordability compared to Cedar. Over time, it will weather to a soft silver-grey hue.
Instead of traditional shiplap cladding, the Timeless team created custom featheredge boards for a bespoke look. While more expensive, this detail was essential to achieving the desired aesthetic.
Elevated Access with Style
Given the 1600mm elevation, a staircase was essential. Crafted from Siberian Larch with custom metal treads, the stairs blend rustic and industrial styles. The patterned metal treads ensure safety and durability, while the staircase is topped with a traditional stable door, adding a charming touch.
A Bespoke Solution for a Challenging Site
This artist’s studio on stilts demonstrates how bespoke design can meet a challenging brief and overcome site constraints. From aesthetic considerations to practical needs, the project showcases the skill and innovation of the Timeless Garden Rooms team.
Learn More
To learn more about this project, contact Timeless Garden Rooms on 01843 821 851, email sales.timelessgardenrooms@gmail.com, or visit their website to explore more of their bespoke designs.
