Belgian studio Van Laethem Architecten used natural materials including hempcrete and cedar shingles to create this small garden studio for its staff. Located in the rear garden of the founder’s home, the building acts as both a workspace and a demonstration of the studio’s approach to using bio-based materials.
The office is situated next to a side road at the end of the garden, where a separate entrance and parking space have been provided for clients. Vegetation on either side of the studio helps provide a feeling of being amongst nature.
“To get a feeling with the hempcrete, I knew I had to work with it myself,” said the owner. “Organizing a hempcrete workshop helped me to start off. This was an ideal way of cutting costs, but also for other self-builders to get to know the material.”
Externally, the lower section of the walls is clad with red brick, creating the impression of a plinth that references the adjacent house, while above cedar shingles protect the walls from rain. Except for the foundation of the outer walls, no concrete was used.
Inside, the hempcrete walls and timber roof have been left exposed, complemented by a floor of recycled foam glass granules.
A built-in desk runs along one wall of the office beneath three large windows overlooking the garden. Opposite, a small meeting area sits alongside the bathroom pod, with a kitchenette and closet lining the adjacent wall.
The photography is by Tom Frederix. You can read the original article at www.dezeen.com