Studio Weave’s extension of a cottage in Devon, England on a secluded property is a double-story artists’ retreat. The extension, called Made of Sand, seeks to transform the traditional Devonshire stone cottage, drawing on the historic origins of the site as a local sandpit.
The flexible, open-plan spaces of the studio contrast the otherwise boxed layout of the existing cottage. The project was the result of a close collaboration between the architects, the client’s local cob building specialist, and local craftsmen.
A path along the rear hillside creates a distinct entryway for the studio space, with the interiors framing the natural landscape as part of the design.
The wood architecture employed in the exterior is followed through in the interior, with Douglas fir panels forming the wall linings as well as built-in shelving and window seats. To complement the homogeneous use of wood in the exterior and interior, earthy hues were introduced with rust-colored clay plaster walls and handmade terracotta tiles. The rhythmic pattern of the Douglas fir ceiling soffits is echoed in the timber battening and wall storage.
The weathered Red Western Cedar facade, silvery against the rough-hewn stone cottage, blends in harmoniously with the surrounding woodland. The architects decided to leave the structural components on display without fascia.
The clay, terracotta, brass and Douglas fir create a cozy environment with the feeling of being in a restful cabin. The interior has diffused light, all set against the framed greenery of the hills.
Made of Sand, all of 85 sq.m. (915 sf), creates an architectural space where clay walls softly curving into door frames, to the hand-cut timber wall joinery, the project demonstrates thoughtful care and attention to detail.
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