Highly commended: Alex Monroe Studio, London, by DSDHA
The built-in furniture and joinery use the same cross-laminated spruce panels, creating a coherent narrative of natural surfaces and finishes. Over time the timber will reveal a patina of use
This compact jeweller’s studio is made entirely of prefabricated cross-laminated spruce panels, supported on a rebuilt shop. Occupying a corner site, it makes the most of its unusual geometry. Industrial-grade, white washed and lacquered structural panels form the finish to the inside of the building. All the built-in furniture and joinery use the same cross-laminated spruce panels, designed to respond to each part of the jewellery making process. This creates a coherent narrative of natural surfaces and finishes throughout. Over time the timber will reveal a patina of use. The judges said this ‘beautiful little building [makes ] amazing use of a very tight site’. They particularly liked the satisfying pairing of high-end jewellery with a simple building
Shortlist
The Exbury Egg, Beaulieu River, Hampshire, PAD Studio
Expandable surface system, London, Architectural Association
