The Studio, St Albans

Camphill Trust St Albans, asked MCR Studio to refurbish and extend an ageing art studio in the city centre, to improve provision of a range of work and training opportunities for their local residents, including art and design, glass, ceramics and card making.

The existing reception, pottery room, kiln and offices were refurbished, and a contemporary, spacious new art studio addition was constructed at the rear. The new studio facility features double height vaulted ceilings with large roof lights, permitting generous levels of north indirect daylight throughout, optimum for an art studio. A new contemporary kitchen and additional storage area within the studio also improved the facility for building users. The extension was finished with a beautiful zinc roof and sleek white rendered walls.

The worn existing brick exterior was also renovated, using white render and modern grey aluminium windows, vastly improving the buildings contribution to the streetscape, much to the approval of building users and local residents.