2hd studio uses coco-fibre broom heads for the facade of their renewed shed

2hd architecture workshop created a hairy micro-office to exercise teleportation, to have a place which takes them from the everyday hurly burly to another world, one of calm, quiet and focus. replacing the exact volume of a derelict glazed shed nicknamed ‘mission control’, this focused workspace stands in the garden a few meters away from the larger collaborative space of the studio’s office.

the shed is nicknamed ‘mission control’
all images © 2hd

‘we built this custom-designed structure as the antithesis of a ‘contemplation space with landscape views and flowing inside-outside space’, explains the 2hd team. ‘in contrast, we needed an almost monastic cell, removed from physical context and worldly distraction, where we could retreat to immerse ourselves in brain work’. the intention was to create three totally separate experiences.

the studio needed a place removed from worldly distraction

firstly, mission control sits as an inscrutable box in the garden, without any visible door or window. the outer facades are entirely clad in natural coco-fibre broom heads: details and junctions are largely concealed, as the broom bristles interlock to provide a continuous and visually diffuse surface. thus, giving no clue if it’s occupied or empty, the structure exists merely as an object of intrigue.

the outer facades are entirely clad in natural coco-fibre broom heads

mission control is a reverse tardis: much smaller on the inside than it appears from the outside. the difference in volumes results from the simple shed-like pitched roof hidden behind the parapet. the polycarbonate roof surface only pops through the brush cladding to divert rainwater — yet eliminates familiar details like fascias and gutters which would make the box readable as an archetypal shed or garden office.

the difference in volumes results from the simple shed-like pitched roof

secondly, mission control hosts an isolation chamber for undisturbed concentration, a comfortable, calm and serene enclosure. inside, two back-to-back desks are nested under the low ceilings, reminiscent of the containment created by the sloping ceiling of an artist’s garret. interior walls and ceilings are clad with whitewashed plywood, which adds to the calm and natural feeling environment. the breathable walls, wrapped with sheep’s wool insulation, create a healthy internal environment that is easily heated by body warmth and waste heat computers. daylight and ventilation are provided by a single hidden skylight that perforates through the reflective roof surface.

the polycarbonate roof surface pops through the brush cladding

thirdly, mission control creates a ‘ceremonial commute’ between the bustle of the home office and the isolation of the cell. commuting to work in mission control is an important symbolic process: the full experience of ‘going to work’ is here in condensed and enhanced form. leaving the house, and traveling the 4 meter journey to the door of the office provides just enough time to calm and focus. entering the building requires interaction: finding the secret broom head, sliding back the heavy screen door and pushing through the solid leaf behind. this little ritual requires concentration and creates distance from whatever else is on your mind. as the door clunks shut behind you, the box seals itself and the separation is complete. 

interior walls and ceilings are clad with whitewashed plywood

video by 2hd architecture workshop

floor plan

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edited by: maria erman | designboom