Studio Poitou

A flexible modern workspace that frames the surrounding landscape as a form of inspiration. Our client designs and produces beautiful tapestries inspired by our local vernacular and the incredible views from her home. These are exhibited all over the world. DLM was appointed to design an artist’s studio of calm concentration that sat within this rural setting. The tapestries are made from layers, areas of strong contrast, subtle changes in texture, proportion and staining of the fabric. We wanted to reflect this craft in the overall design of the building. At the macro scale the dark and refined elevation is sewn into the wild surrounding landscape, whilst up close the varied-width cedar cladding provides subtle but playful layering and texture. The outer mass of the studio is lined in blackened cedar, however openings and cuts are defined by retaining the natural material colour. Over time the entire envelope will weather into the landscape and become the backdrop to future layering. From a practical perspective, the brief required a small space that was adaptable for staining fabric, sewing, assembling, stretching and hanging. We looked to maximise the benefits of diffused natural light, but avoid direct sunlight that would bleach the fabrics. We developed large cavity sliding glazing that frames uninterrupted distant views and provides a direct connection with the landscape whether open or closed. The cantilevered soffit provides shelter and solar shade allowing year-round enjoyment of the space, passive control to maintain the correct internal climate and protection from the direct sunlight. This project realises the client’s vision to have a space that matches her natural creativity and inspires her on a daily basis.