Garden Pottery Studio
Nestled within an enchanting L-shaped Brockley garden, our collaboration with the talented ceramicist and landscape gardener, Carrie Leech, blossomed into a truly inspiring project. Together, we crafted a small yet meticulously designed pottery studio, seamlessly integrated into the garden's lush embrace.
Carrie came to us with a dream: to create a unique work-from-home sanctuary for her ceramic artistry, right in her beautiful garden, located conveniently around the corner from our studios. Her vision required a space to house her kiln, a sink, a desk, and ample room for creativity and storage. Our design journey explored concepts of handmade craftsmanship, form, colour, texture, and materiality, bringing them to life in this project.
In a first for our firm, the emphasis on handmade was taken quite literally, as Carrie took on the challenge of constructing many elements herself, adding an unmistakable personal touch. Her skills as a landscape gardener were pivotal, influencing not only the building's integration at ground level but also the rooftop planting, which feels like a natural extension of the garden itself.
The studio's design unfolds in three elongated forms, each with distinct roof slopes and projections, creating a captivating visual dynamic both inside and out. These playful forms, while distinct, unite to form a cohesive and harmonious space. For the ultimate indulgence, a private external bathtub, heated by a fire beneath, offers a luxurious garden retreat.
The exterior is clad in Nakamoto Yakisugi Suyaki black charred timber, with bright turquoise windows and accents providing vibrant pops of colour throughout the space. This transformative project has revolutionised Carrie's ceramic practice, enabling her to create within the serene confines of her garden and inspiring her to embark on a kitchen renovation in the main house. This collaboration not only enhanced her workspace but also enriched her daily life, blending the beauty of nature with the art of design.