architect design™: An ingenious solution

Thursday, May 9, 2013

An ingenious solution

While reading through the April 2013 issue of House & Garden I came across an intriguing little project that I just had to share! When designer Roger Hall had proposed an addition to his 17th century listed house and had it rejected by the planning authorities, he decided to build a garden folly which would give him and his family the extra space they needed as well as provide a focal point to his garden.

He calls the space his 'Posh Shed' and it certainly is closer to posh than shed. What shed do you know of contains a kitchen, bath and working fireplace? The pavilion houses guest quarters as well as a studio for his work in an 18'x18' square; talk about small living at 324 SF (the size of the smallest studios found in NYC).

The pavilion matches the style of the main house which you can just glimpse in the image below including the same beautiful stonework and slate roofing. Behind the fireplace above are a compact mini kitchen and full bathroom for guests. I think I would spend all of my time out here and never go into the main house!

Above you can see how from the garden the pavilion looks like one small albeit tall room but when seen from another perspective 2 floors are clearly visible. I vote this is a clever solution to a problem that makes the end result better as a whole than the original proposed addition - what do you think?

Photography via the article by photographer Sarah Hogan

16 comments:

Stephilius said...: I - adore - this!; May 9, 2013 at 2:06 PM
Deana Sidney said...: Love this. Reminds me of those Baroque banquet houses they built... small perfect rooms just for eating the last courses. They were usually in the garden with a great view. I would move in in a minute-- if I could have storage in the main house!! Thanks for this... wonderful place!; May 9, 2013 at 2:42 PM
A Perfect Gray said...: love, love, love; May 9, 2013 at 2:44 PM
My Notting Hill said...: Yes!! I want one!; May 9, 2013 at 3:14 PM
ArchitectDesign™ said...: Deana - you know so many interesting things -I had no idea about these baroque banquet houses!

Michelle - this would look PERFECT in your backyard by the pool!; May 9, 2013 at 3:17 PM
Magnaverde said...: This is a perfect demonstration of how symmetry & scale can give a sense of importance to small spaces. Well, the handsome materials help, too. I need to go pick up this issue.; May 9, 2013 at 3:44 PM
ArchitectDesign™ said...: Simply, I've been a subscriber now for about a year and it's worth the high price -AMAZING magazine! Each issue has so much to offer.; May 9, 2013 at 3:45 PM
pve design said...: Posh as well as genius. I think having a little spot to escape so close to home or to have a sort of guest cottage is brilliant. Love it. Looks so European and old world.
pve; May 9, 2013 at 4:03 PM
The Devoted Classicist said...: It is charming. I built a 12 x 12 folly for my own use; it could have been bigger with a second floor because the views are great. There could be side additions, however.; May 9, 2013 at 4:04 PM
Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...: I'd love to have one of these. Its perfect!; May 9, 2013 at 5:09 PM
Mark D. Ruffner said...: The structure is a beautiful match to the main house, and I especially like the quoining. Perhaps the planning authorities didn't visualize so good a match.; May 9, 2013 at 5:28 PM
Paisley Curtain said...: This is a brilliant solution and the outcome is great. Unfortunately some times the Planning and Historic commissions suffer from tunnel vision and can be a pain. Few years back I wanted to purchase and fix a derelict historic building, to make an art gallery and studio. The Historic commission came out with such stringent guidelines it was impossible to fix the building. My bank was so much interested t finance the project but it never happened. The building has fallen down because of neglect and is an eye sore. It is either Historic Commission's way or highway :); May 9, 2013 at 6:17 PM
Karena said...: Stefan how genius! I think could spend a lot of time very happily in this space. So did the planning committee approve the Pavilion as it is?
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena; May 9, 2013 at 6:51 PM
Windlost said...: Stunning. I'd live in it! What a brilliant solution and an interesting counterbalance to the main house.

Have such fun in Paris!!!!!!!

xo Terri; May 9, 2013 at 11:54 PM
columnist said...: Not only beautiful, but a clever way to appease the planners. Perhaps as in this case, they do make you think outside the box.; May 9, 2013 at 11:59 PM
Unknown said...: What a jewel box!
Thanks for sharing.; May 12, 2013 at 5:08 AM