Melt Design Hub’s 'Green Farm' in Oxfordshire successfully combines a contemporary, new-build studio with accommodation, and a Grade II listed farmhouse, for former London-based photographer. Caroline Flint approached Melt Design Hub in 2015 to design a photography studio in the grounds of her thatched farmhouse, after relocating from Stockwell, London. As an accomplished stylist, her brief was well considered, with a requirement for light, airy space, connected to the beautiful surroundings.

A successful contrast between old and new; the photography studio is a well-considered addition to the rural surroundings. Image © Lucy Walters

The photography studio occupies the site of dilapidated farm sheds, and provides well connected, light filled spaces for a photography studio as well as an area for entertaining guests. 

The building is timber framed with a pitched roof to match that of the original thatched farmhouse and exposed oak timber frame structure – a design agreed upon between the client, Melt Design Hub and the local authority, who were keen for the new building to be a contemporary and harmonious addition to the historic setting.

Image courtesy of Melt Design Hub

"I love the new space, it’s everything I hoped it would be,’ says Caroline. ‘I still plan on using it for my photography but it’s such a beautiful place, to use it only for functional reasons would have been a waste," said Caroline Flint. 

"It’s a wonderful area for entertaining and ideal for when my Australian family come to stay. It’s a great space for the grandchildren to play in, parties, family Christmases and it’s a wonderful contrast to the old house, which can be quite dark," she added.

Image courtesy of Melt Design Hub

The studio gave an impressive response to a challenging site and brief. Internally, the space needed to be adaptable, including accommodation for guests, with linear lighting for showcasing the client’s photographic exhibitions. 

Image courtesy of Melt Design Hub

Melt Design Hub responded by creating a grand, open space with a fixed pod at the rear for a kitchen, bathroom and storage. The oak frame is strengthened with hidden steels, removing the need to the traditional cross beam in a structure of this type and scale. This has allowed the main internal space to be opened up, creating a church-like feel with a vaulted ceiling; a key decorative feature of the space. 

Image courtesy of Melt Design Hub

"Creating this beautiful and highly adaptable new studio building has been a challenge, given its proximity to the listed farmhouse and the expansive rural surroundings," said Asif Iqbal, Director at Melt Design Hub.  

"Our design has responded positively, turning these constraints into opportunities, resulting in a contemporary interpretation of a traditional barn. As well as being a light filled studio and entertaining space, the building is a much-loved extension of the family home in a truly delightful setting," added Asif Iqbal. 

Image courtesy of Melt Design Hub

During the design process, it became clear that the new building would be much more than a photography studio. A wood burner and seating area opens onto a landscaped outdoor zone with paving and planting which has been selected to complement the rural, farmhouse aesthetic. A mezzanine level within the building includes bespoke daybeds, seating and storage for family and guests. 

Image courtesy of Melt Design Hub

The holistic approach which Melt Design Hub have adopted, combining a strategy for designing the structure and space along with the interior design, creates a building which has been ‘crafted’ and is an experience as much as it is a home and workplace.

Top image © Lucy Walters

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