The need for a new studio space, for our practice, became eminent. We had grown out of our former office, and had found a suitable new space. It was a 2500 SF, open, industrial and filled with potential.
We were facing a challenge. The space needed to be transformed and functional in the span of 40 days. After careful consideration for how we work collaboratively, we decided to create a warm, transparent studio space with moments for privacy. A 16’ x 30’ concrete wall was removed along with the existing carpet. Moreover, concrete was selected as the main material, accenting it with contrasting warm natural wood and prefabricated feature pieces and furniture. The open ceiling and exposed ductwork remained untouched as a welcoming feature. In the periphery of this large space, five private rooms were created; they feature glass doors and partitions to accommodate transparency within our working environment. At the front, next to the reception, a glass boardroom invites guests, collaborators, and clients for meetings. This room has access via a connecting door to the Principal Architect’s private office. Transparent on one side and visually connected with the rest of the studio, this office is followed by two similar ones that are, similarly private and intended for operational services. A model kitchen and an en-suit at the back provide comfort and relaxation for the team, and a ‘workroom’ situated at the rear concludes the private spaces.
At the centre, two rows of L-shaped workstations are placed in a collaborative, light-filled setting, facing the generous space, at the front, that is dedicated to the reception. Custom-designed pieces such as the reception desk (which references the firm’s logo), a playful cubic shelf unit, a large bookcase, and a puzzle-like feature wall, throughout the studio, convey the architectural thinking that informs the practice. The millwork for the ceiling-height shelf unit (exhibiting awards and accolades of the practice), in particular, is veneered in white oak, and acts as a transitional barrier between the reception and the rest of the studio space, spanning from floor to ceiling and creating playful shadows in the central space. These pieces along with other features were designed by the team, prefabricated and installed in a week to efficiently expedite the transformation process.
Material Used :
1. Muti – Kitchen Suplier
2. Blue Shell – Interior millwork
3. Bose – Sound system
4. Ikea – Desks & Drawers
5. EuroFace – lighting fixtures
