serge schoemaker covers garden studio with 2000 handpainted shingles

serge schoemaker covers garden studio with 2000 handpainted shingles
photo © raoul kramer
all images courtesy of serge schoemaker architects

the ‘garden studio in bussum’, the netherlands, by serge schoemaker architects involved the design and construction of a freestanding shed in a private landscape that functions as a study, guest accommodation, and storage. the challenge to fit a relatively large structure in a long, narrow plot of land resulted in an elongated plan. a geometric form entirely clad in shingles, combined with the transparent corner and rotated siting at the rear of the site lends the building a distinct presence and identity.

detail of the corner
photo © raoul kramer

the aim was to envision a contemporary, well-crafted workspace that fit with the traditional surroundings; the use of materials, detailing and exceptional craftsmanship play an important role here. durable, black-varnished, red cedar panels envelop the massing from the walls to roof, the color recalling the dark wooden sheds found in the region. the use of this system enables the application of a uniform material to minimize the roof line, thereby accentuating the sculptural quality. approximately 2,000 shingles were sanded, painted by hand, and individually mounted onto the building.

looking at the red cedar of the façade 
photo © raoul kramer

the windows lend the studio a characteristic appearance. extending full-height over two facades, the largest aperture opens up the corner of the structure, its sharp lines forming a striking contrast with the irregular textured façade. careful attention was required for its construction, as the glass panes meet here at a non-perpendicular angle without a frame under the cantilevered roof vertex. a second full-height void views onto the garden, complemented by a built-in desk. deeply recessed to highlight the thick walls and sculptural volume, the openings are expressed in black plywood.

interior view looking through a large opening near the built-in desk
photo © raoul kramer

the built-in furniture is composed of three linear elements: a floating table in front of the window, a long bench with drawers, and a vertical cabinet. bicycle storage is concealed behind large sliding timber doors. from the inside, the strategic use of glazing in relation to the context enhances the overall experiences. the house further appeals to the senses through the smell of the wood, and sunlight that is project onto the walls.

view of the entry
photo © raoul kramer

contrasting with the rough, textured exterior, the interior appears seamless and light. developing continuously from the floor, walls, and joinery to the ceiling, its entire surface is fashioned from transparent white-lacquered birch plywood. its components that have been cut precisely to size and carefully pieced to fit seamlessly like a jigsaw puzzle, a task made more challenging by the complexity of the massing. the lightness of the material creates a calming atmosphere and its restrained, continuous finish emphasizes the sculptural quality of the space.

elevations

floor plan

site plan

project info: 

client: private
location: bussum, the netherlands
program: residential
gross floor area: 30m2
status: completed (2014)
team: serge schoemaker, beatrice nespega
photography: raoul kramer

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