GARDEN STUDIO GYM
IN NORTH LONDON/
EASTWEST
ARCHITECTURE
PHOTO: WWW.NAARO.COM
T
The brief was to create a workout studio in the the garden steps up from inside the Garden Studio Gym. The
rear garden of our client’s house as there was no glass return lifts the corner of the garden studio gym making
gym in the local área of Walthamstow Village. the form less imposing in appearance. A frameless full height
Our response was to design a contemporary interpretation of mirror cover the main Wall as it extends the scene for workout
a garden ‘shed’ that we now call the Garden Studio Gym. sessions.
Our restrictions were quite demanding, as we had to work on
the permitted development regulations and a small footprint The studio walls are covered by staggered panels of birch ply
with in the garden. The permitted development only allows a and complemented by a black rubber floor. The birch ply cre-
certain roof height. To get around this we lowered the ground ates a warm atmosphere which is enhanced with yellow lights
floor as there is no local or national policy on digging down – to achieve a warm interior glow against the dark exterior to
now we have plenty of height for skipping and jumping. get you motivated to cross the garden not only on an early
winter’s morning. We also focus on final details of the project
The form of the gym was to be abstract ed so it would rep- such as the discreet door lintel and the hidden connection for
resent a modern twist of the traditional garden shed. For the the punch bag.
construction the limited budget meant using a concrete base
and timber frame with modular materials.
The studio is multifunctional as the punch bag can be removed
and turned in to a calming yoga space or desk workspace.
We kept a simple palette of 4 materials externally and internal- Transforming from a Garden Studio Gym to Garden Studio
ly. The Garden Studio Gym is covered by burnt cedar timber Office.
cladding and has an opening on the right side to let the natural
day light in. The window also connects the interior space to
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www.eastwestarchitecture.co.uk