The studio sits on the exposed northern fringe of Dartmoor. It occupies a compact set of ruins within the walled garden of an 18th-century former Devon longhouse. The project sought to consolidate and rebuild these fragments to create a new, inspiring workspace.
A sensitive yet contemporary approach was taken. The aim was to give the client a studio with long views across the wild moorland. To achieve this, the design used a considered palette of raw and natural materials. Wherever possible, reclaimed local materials were chosen to root the new building in its setting.
Skilled masons rebuilt the external walls with carefully selected reclaimed granite. Subtle slate details mark the line between old and new, making the interventions legible. The roof is clad in salvaged Cornish slate, while a contemporary lead dormer frames westward views to the hills. In addition, bespoke external joinery in bare oak will age gracefully, weathering to a soft silver-grey over time.
Internally, an open joisted douglas fir ceiling maximises the restricted head height at ground floor and provides a warmth to the space. The same timber is used for a winding staircase, crafted with care, which leads to the studio above. On the first floor, built-in joinery creates compact but effective zones for working, sleeping, and storing the client’s extensive collection of books.
