Studio Drake

When contriving new spaces often a core consideration for clients is where furniture, objects and function will be placed. 

This minimalist render captures our commitment to also placing the white space — framing considered furnishings and purposes.

Creating natural ‘zones’ for entertainment and togetherness, as well as independent relaxation, all whilst fully immersing the inhabitants in the ‘space’. 

This render is part of a wider scheme taking shape for construction in a unique historical yard in central Norwich. 

Historical context is always an important element of design with brownfield redevelopment. Understanding and considering what should be kept, reimagined and lost is a complex process and should never be taken lightly. 

This Norwich City centre development is no exception. 

Here we have leaned into original features of the site, as well as other ‘industrial’ design cues from local ‘Yards’ and ‘Backs’ that typify the hidden gems of the City. Framing these elements with modern form only goes to highlight the warm red brick, native common ivies and low-light thriving shrubs that bring the natural world into an ostensibly urban space. 

Traditional contrasting connection details. A project in North Norfolk we are about to begin working on.

Investigative sketches for a collection of new dwellings, located in central Norwich.

We are delighted to start work on this exciting new project. Whilst researching the site and finding a narrative for the design; we quickly sketching ideas of form, massing and scale. These sketches are used as a mechanism to test an idea.

Planning application recently submitted for two dwellings on the North Norfolk Coast — the design takes inspiration from the vernacular surrounding the site — with contemporary forms and minimalist detailing. Panoramic views of the coastline can be enjoyed from the proposed balconies.

It’s been a busy time in the studio with many projects starting and finishing.
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This is a process image of a model for ‘The Workshop’ - a recent collaboration with a very talented friend. This project will soon commence on site and we’re excited to show more.

WIP — ‘Anchor Building’ apartment redesign is underway. Excited to be given the opportunity to develop this project through technical design and on site. Looking forward to sharing more of this project in the coming months.

‘The Gallery House’, a design favourite. Excited to see this project constructed. This design forms an angled horizontal gallery space, creating connectivity between existing living spaces and a vertical gallery, connecting a first floor reading area and the main living space.

‘The Workshop’ is fast approaching the completion of the tendering phase and we are looking forward to works starting on site very soon.

Clay Cottage. We recently completed the technical design for this project located on the North Norfolk coastline. The red colourations of the clay and brick of the existing cottage are reflected in the plain tile roof, walls and corten steel reveals. We’re excited to share more of this project as it’s constructed.

Planning permission granted for Clay Cottage. The proposal is defined by the form, materials and detailing of the existing cottage but uses modern architectural devises, creating refinement and minimalism.

The start of something new… Sketch experimentation for a small scale development on the Norfolk coast.

Material experimentation for The Workshop - combining from , recycled plastic worktop options with birch plywood and grey vinyl flooring.

Axonometric sketch of an extension in North Norfolk. Inspired by the form and the massing of the existing cottage. Vernacular materials are used in a contemporary way, with clay plain tiles cladding the walls and the roof, with a hidden gutter.

Set back from the facade ensures that the extension is recessive and subordinate to the main cottage. The transparency of the proposal allows the living spaces to seamlessly connect with the garden and the wider landscape beyond.