Ogival
Councils have long viewed garden rooms as basic timber sheds, but our visionary architecture team at Boano Prišmontas has shattered that notion, creating a bespoke space that redefines what’s possible and elevates public perception. Garden studios like “Ogival” are redefining urban living in London, pioneering a new era of micro-architecture that costs half as much as traditional extensions and delivers versatile, year-round spaces with unique character.
Context
Tucked behind a London home, a garden studio engages in quiet dialogue with its neighbour, a 19th-century Grade I listed church. Every line, material, and detail draws from the church’s soaring Gothic presence. The design does not imitate its grandeur but distils its spirit through a bold, contemporary lens. Subtle echoes of towering arches and serene proportions resonate with deliberate intent, crafting a striking conversation between past and present. Rising with quiet authority, the studio becomes a bridge across centuries. It speaks with a respectful yet unmistakably modern voice within the layered fabric of the city.
Façade and Materials
Facades do not have to be timber to belong in a garden, and this project proves it. Set in the heart of a conservation area, the studio employs red concrete particle panels by Viroc. This material is often dismissed as too utilitarian for historic surroundings, and concrete is rarely welcomed into contexts such as this. Here, it has been reimagined. The surfaces are refined through decorative detailing, balanced by purposeful proportions, and animated with textures that shift perception. What was once seen as rough and urban becomes strikingly beautiful. The terracotta warmth of the panels bridges the red tones of the church’s brickwork with those of the surrounding buildings.
The façade borrows from the angular rhythm of buttresses and lancet windows, reinterpreting their geometry in a simplified modern form. Inside, the ceiling slopes upward in a subtle nod to the nave beyond. Timber cladding and careful craftsmanship allow the building to settle naturally into its garden setting, creating a quiet continuity with its surroundings. Although modest in scale, the space holds a profound stillness, a reverent atmosphere that resonates with its sacred neighbour.
Interior
Inside, the studio unfolds as a serene and stylish retreat. The internal palette is calm and refined, defined by the cosy warmth of a coffered plywood ceiling and laminated walls by Abet. The plan of the garden studio follows the natural crank shape of the garden, creating a layout that feels both organic and purposeful. Multiple full-height windows and a large sliding door open the space to light and air, framing generous views of both the garden and the neighbouring church. Carefully positioned skylights bring daylight deep into the interior, enhancing the sense of openness and connection with the surroundings.
Designer lights by Tala introduce a warm and sculptural presence. An integrated dimmable COB light at ceiling level adds subtle and even illumination. Together, these elements create a contemplative atmosphere that shifts effortlessly from day to night, from work environment to relaxation.
The studio was conceived as a flexible space for working from home, exercising, and enjoying the landscaped garden. The interior balances focus with calm and extends seamlessly into the outdoor environment.
Importantly, the project overcame a history of unsuccessful planning applications, demonstrating how a sensitive and well-considered design can both respect and enrich a conservation setting.
Design, Manufacturing and Construction
The studio was born from a fusion of tradition and technology. It was crafted through a modular design strategy that combines advanced digital fabrication with the care of traditional joinery. Each component was CNC-cut and pre-assembled in My Room in the Garden’s Hackney workshop before being transported and erected on site.
The building sits on ground screw foundations, which provide a highly sustainable solution for this type of structure. This method minimises ground disturbance, reduces concrete usage, and allows for a reversible installation, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
This off-site process ensured exceptional precision and quality while also transforming construction into an almost invisible act. The neighbourhood was spared from disruption, noise, and dust.
The project reflects the combined expertise of designers, craftspeople, and architectural modelmakers. Their meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of materials shaped every element before it left the workshop. The close collaboration between machine precision and human skill produced a space where efficiency meets artistry.
Conclusion
Meticulously tailored to its context, the studio demonstrates how a contemporary digitally fabricated timber structure can respond to heritage settings without resorting to imitation. It embraces innovation while sustaining a meaningful dialogue with traditional architectural forms.
