Garden studio built on terraced ground
A 5.5m × 3.5m studio in Tunbridge Wells spanning several terrace levels, on ground screws of different lengths, under a sedum roof.
Many garden studio companies would have turned down this project in Tunbridge Wells, considering the site unsuitable for their buildings. Kent-based Ark Design Build takes a different approach, assessing each project on its own merits.
The clients wanted to add a 5.5m x 3.5m garden studio to their terraced garden, but the depth of the terrace was too small for the building. As a result, the studio needed to span multiple terrace levels.
At a glance
- Size: 5.5m × 3.5m.
- Built for: A garden studio overlooking the lawn below.
- Construction: Ground screws of varying heights make a level base across the terraces.
- Finishes: Thermowood with Anthracite Grey frames, and a sedum roof seen from the house.
- Company: Ark Design Build, who take on sites other companies turn down.
Experienced hands for a tricky site
The Ark Design Build team is experienced in tackling challenging sites. They calculated the foundation requirements for the building across the different terrace levels. With access provided via doors leading off the top terrace, they used various heights of groundscrews to create a level base. The foundation was then concealed with neatly detailed exterior cladding.
The studio features an unusual arrangement of windows, strategically positioned to provide views down into the lawned garden. Tall fixed windows are combined with a smaller opening window.
Low-maintenance Thermowood cladding
The anthracite grey door and window frames complement the Thermowood cladding. Thermowood, a low-maintenance cladding option for garden studios, is a Redwood timber treated at high temperatures to enhance its durability against rot and fungal attack. Initially honey brown, Thermowood naturally weathers to a silvery grey over time, without affecting its durability.
Topped off with a sedum roof covering
Ark Design Build finished the studio with a sedum roof. This detail is important in settings like this, where the garden steps down from the house, making the roof clearly visible. A sedum roof offers year-round colour and interest, with minimal maintenance needed to keep it looking good.
Learn more about Ark Design Build
Ark Design Build focuses on projects in Kent, Sussex, and Essex. For more information about this project, contact the team on 07896 196 718 or via email at contact@arkdesignbuild.co.uk. Visit www.arkdesignbuild.co.uk to explore more of their work.
