You might have noticed a trend over the last five or so years that takes the home office or guest room outside of the house and into the backyard. 3rdSpace continues the tradition in the form of a modular library studio in the Oxfordshire garden of a literature professor who was looking for a space to store her collection of books. The beauty of the design is that the rooms can be used for anything.
The prefab system did away with the typical planning issues and time constraints that go along with traditional on-site building. The design can easily be flat-packed and moved to a new space if the homeowner was to relocate, making this a cost effective solution for people who move frequently.
The units can be customized for each user but this one is a 2.5×2.5x5m model and is of a simple black and white design, much like the written word. The exterior is clad in black Thermowood while the interior is covered with a white-tinted birch plywood. The black panels are positioned vertically to mimic the spines of the books inside.
The core of the studio is a solid Douglas fir post and beam system, joined using mortice and tenon junctions. Between all of the frame slots, an insulated wall panel, a full-height double glazed window, or a timber door can be installed.
One length of the unit is covered in glass to bring the light in, while two of the walls are covered with floor-to-ceiling shelves for the book collection.
Installation took only five days (including the Vitsoe shelving), making this a great option for anyone looking for extra space.

8 Comments
Paul on 11.22.2013 at 14:58 PM
Any potential ventilation/moisture issues that needed to be addressed?
Ben on 11.25.2013 at 08:59 AM
Hi, the design incorporates a vapour barrier and breather membrane in the wall panels, so this is generally sufficient. There is also a trickle vent above each glazed panel for fresh air. We have added louvre panels and shading on certain projects, each depending on orientation, useage etc.
lapin rouge on 11.25.2013 at 07:47 AM
Google: MUJI house.
Same concept, same colour palette & materials. Designed 4 years ago 2009 by Kengo Kuma.
Steve Collier on 11.25.2013 at 09:59 AM
How much $$$?
Pav on 11.29.2013 at 11:07 AM
£13,800 incl vat
albert rosel on 11.26.2013 at 12:07 PM
does the floor come with the prefab system? how are the wooden posts anchored to the concrete(?) floor?
David Zeidner on 11.26.2013 at 19:11 PM
Great idea for a professional office at home if you want to see clients without having them come into your private space. The major concern I would have would be cooling/heating this “greenhouse” on steroids! How have they addressed this in climates that have more extreme ranges?
Barb on 11.28.2013 at 12:53 PM
Hi! What would be the cost from start to finish?
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