The Cart Shed Studio (EA HQ)

The Cart Shed Studio at Tombreck is the main office of our practice and now also hosts the Tombreck Farm Shop.  It was subject to a major re-build, with work taking place between 2004 and 2007.  The aim of the project was to explore the use of completely local materials - farm based if possible, and to use self-build labour and volunteers. Alder sourced from the farm woodlands, was used for the jointed and pegged, round pole green timber frame which was was constructed on site.  The mortice and tenon joints were so accurate, the builders were able to erect the frame in a single day. The frame sits internally within the building, and all the joints are clearly visible.

The insulation was from sheep's wool from the Tombreck farm sheep. The wool was washed, dried and 'fluffed' up before being placed into the especially constructed roof and wall spaces. Volunteers helped to install the wool, carried out lime harling externally, clay plastering internally and used site made 'milk paint' to finish the internal walls. The result is a very unique and special space.