The Long Studio by Threefold Architects
London firm Threefold Architects designed this long gabled artists' studio in Norfolk, UK, so that the owners could construct it themselves (+ slideshow).
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_2.jpg)
Bold southern light floods the studio through large sliding glass doors, opening out onto the artists' garden, whilst colder northern light diffuses through a clerestory window on the northern elevation.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_1.jpg)
This continuous linear window emphasises the boundary between land and sky, framing seasonally transforming fields against morphing clouds.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_6.jpg)
As a reference to the local agricultural vernacular, Threefold Architects chose corrugated black cellulose sheeting to clad two of the exterior walls and the roof whilst sustainably-sourced timber protects the gable ends.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_7.jpg)
The Long Studio's "simple and honest" materials and form allow light and colour from the surrounding fields and garden to animate the dark exterior and bright interior.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_9.jpg)
The simplicity of The Long Studio's construction system allowed the artists to build their studio almost entirely by themselves, so the budget could remain modest and the practically-minded artists could directly influence their creative environment.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_8a.jpg)
Another benefit of using such a simple frame is the light, spacious internal volume it provides. This unexpected height contrasts with the exterior linearity of the project.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_3.jpg)
Shortlisted for AJ's Small Projects sustainability award, this self-build is operationally carbon neutral. The Long Studio achieves its zero carbon status with such features as sheep's wool insulation, a rainwater harvesting system and photovoltaic cells located on the garden-facing roof which annually feed over 1000KWh back into the National Grid.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_5.jpg)
We recently featured the winner of the AJ Small Projects Awards 2013, Laura Dewe Mathews' Gingerbread House.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_4.jpg)
Apprentice Store is another project by Threefold Architects that retains exposed wooden beams and trusses.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_10.jpg)
Photography is by Charles Hosea.
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_11.gif)
Above: axonometric diagram
![The Long Studio by Threefold Architects The Long Studio by Threefold Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/02/dezeen_The-Long-Studio-by-Threefold-Architects_12.gif)
Above: short section