Contemporary oak framed home extension providing a new artist’s studio and meditation room for treating guests in various holistic ways.
Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon
Although initially looking to convert an existing garage, our client’s aspirations to improve air circulation and natural light resulted in the replacement of the existing structures to create a new artist’s studio and meditation room for his business near Ripon in North Yorkshire.
This oak framed extension was designed by our architect, Andrew Burningham from ArchitectureAB, as a meditation room that our client wanted as a retreat for people to come and unwind. The whole idea was designed around the pyramid shape, which is supposedly for channelling good energy. Whether it works or not is up to the individual, but it certainly makes an incredibly peaceful place to sit and meditate. The client now has a successful business treating people in various holistic ways and helping them through their problems.
With the tall walls and the steep roof pitch, achieving a totally open space was a challenge structurally, but with the help of the cruck bracing in all four corners, we managed to achieve structural integrity without the need for horizontal beams. From the outside, the zinc metal covering on the roof provides a contemporary edge and the glass lantern that sits atop the centre point creates a beautiful and very interesting detail both inside and outside.
As the room needed to be private from the surrounding houses, and to help people feel unthreatened and peaceful, we used frosted glass on three of the outer walls. Unlike blinds, frosted glass allows uninterrupted natural light to enter the building whilst providing privacy, which is a critical feature for wellbeing.
The meditation room is connected to the house by a stunning oak framed glass walkway. Used as an office and relaxation area, it is flooded with light and offers views across the landscaped garden.
