Sitting in the countryside of Bedfordshire, UK is an old barn. Or at  least that is what it used to be. The innovative minds at Nicolas Tye Architects reinvented the old farm landscape by converting the barn to an elegant studio. Home to Nicolas design team, the Long Barn Studio is representational of their design philosophy. This 2,200 square foot studio space, erected on the ruins of an old barn, lies harmoniously with the landscape and adjacent to an existing barn.

The studio boasts a modern yet subtle appeal, utilizing materials that enhance the surrounding context and vice versa. The studio is composed of a glazed elevation with ends enclosed in larch timber cladding that resembles “book ends”. The overall aesthetics is elevated through the use of Cor-ten detailing that furthers the sense of place, reflect the old machinery and steelwork of the barn.

Using a simple and elegant shape, the rectangle is incorporated in various method. The building itself is a simple rectangle with frameless high glazed panels, holding a very slight green tint. The combination of such reflects the seasons from the glorious surrounding landscape. The glass elevation also provide the lucky few inside with a spectacular panoramic view.

The interior of the studio provides work space for Nicholas’s team as well as meeting rooms, a library, a printing area and WC. Storage pods composed from the floating wenge divides the receptions, kitchenette and work spaces. The space utilizes deep desk with bespoke cabinets that integrates designer files, tools and waste bin. Coupling with wireless screen built-in computers and wireless keyboard, it achieves a surprising level of user friendliness.

The technologies incorporated are not limited to the surface. The studio have its own wind turbine, building air heat recovery circulation system, central vacuum and light controls in addition to the ability to harvest rainwater. With low energy lighting, organic paints and no-toxic sealers, the studio firmly states the philosophy behind Nicolas Tye Architects. Their ideology paved the way to a building that is provocative to the modern design while being sensitive to sustainability and contextual issues of today’s atmosphere.

 

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