Designing in a protected and deeply cherished landscape meant engaging with the surrounding environment at every level, from form and scale to material language. To blend with the tones and textures of the South Downs, we selected a muted, organic palette rooted in the landscape itself. The exterior is clad in sustainably sourced timber, treated on site using the traditional Japanese method of Shou Sugi Ban. This technique carbonises the wood, providing a natural layer of weather resistance and preserving the timber without the need for synthetic chemicals. Over time, the cladding will silver and evolve, ageing gracefully alongside its surroundings.

Materiality was central to the project’s success, and each element was chosen to harmonise with the topography, geology and rural context of the site. We introduced natural slate and Corten steel to the façade; materials that hold a quiet strength, designed to patinate and deepen in character over time. Inside, the connection to the landscape continues with marble brick flooring laid in herringbone format, designed to ground the space in a dark, earthy base while connecting the exterior through a seamless transition to the outside spaces. In the kitchen, green-veined marble worktops and custom timber cabinetry echo the natural tones and textures found just beyond the studio walls. These choices were not about mimicry but resonance, bringing the outdoors in through tactility, colour and elemental honesty.

Even the layout of the building takes its cue from nature. Low and linear, the structure rests gently within the terrain, positioned to maximise natural light while minimising visual impact. Every sightline has been considered to frame the rolling hills and woodlands beyond, ensuring the studio feels not imposed on, but integrated within, its remarkable setting.

Sustainability was a foundational pillar of the Studio’s design, embedded in our every decision from concept to completion. With its mix of renewable technologies and passive strategies, the building is engineered for longevity and low environmental impact, constructed as a self-sufficient haven of design creativity. Integrating a carefully considered suite of renewable energy solutions, including an air source heat pump, a ground source heat pump and a solar panel array, reduced reliance on non-renewable energy sources was important to us. These systems work in harmony with rainwater harvesting, smart heating and lighting, and exceptional insulation to ensure the space remains environmentally responsible, energy-efficient and future-facing for years to come.

But what truly set this project apart was the holistic approach taken to sustainability. It’s not just the energy infrastructure that’s forward-thinking, but the entire material lifecycle. Locally sourced materials were prioritised to reduce construction-related emissions, regional craftspeople and suppliers were exclusively engaged and traditional skills were invested in, minimising carbon footprint and supporting the local suppliers. Every element, from the flame-treated exterior timber cladding to the interior finishes, was selected for its low environmental impact, longevity and ability to age gracefully.

These values were recognised with the BIID’s Anna Whitehead Award for Sustainability, which honoured the depth and integrity of our approach. It celebrated not just our technical innovations, but the value-led thinking embedded in every design decision. Our studio stands as both a working space and a model for how interior design, across both residential and commercial sectors, can be truly sustainable without compromising on aesthetics or performance.

While the Studio’s exterior is purposefully understated, closely tied to the rhythms and material palette of the South Down, the interior offers a dynamic counterpoint. Inspired by industrial design principles, we exposed the building’s structural steel frame, creating a generous double-height volume punctuated by a bold floating mezzanine. This architectural honesty brings energy and purpose to the space, contrasting beautifully with the quiet humility of the building’s outer form.

Where the exterior recedes into the natural environment, the interior expresses creativity and craft. Marble brick flooring, laid in a herringbone pattern, flows uninterrupted from the outside terraces inward, strengthening the connection between landscape and workspace. Painted steel beams remain on show, softened by a tonal, neutral palette that introduces warmth to the robust structural frame. Crittall glazing used both externally and for interior partitions, frames views, defines space and brings rhythm and light throughout. Panels of obscured glass offer layered privacy while preserving a sense of openness, allowing the studio to feel both expansive and intimate.

Soft, tactile furnishings and subtle acoustic detailing ensure the space remains functional, comfortable and conducive to focused creative work. The interior ultimately strikes a deliberate equilibrium: open yet grounded, robust yet refined, a working studio that reflects our process, values and the belief that thoughtful contrast brings depth, clarity and meaning to design space.