New in Innovation - 'The Shoffice'

Neither a Shed, nor an Office. 

It's a 'Shoffice'!

An innovative part-sculpture and part-shelter in London's St. John's Wood neighbourhood, it definitely brings both nature and simplistic architecture closer together. It serves the dual aspect as a garden shed and an office for the respective owner, hence the catchy nickname, "the shoffice". 

The structure, designed by Platform 5 Architects, sits in the garden as a continuous form, as part of the natural surrounding elements. The abstract organic forms pierced by voids, such as skylights and roof openings, were influenced by the works of late English artist, Barbara Hepworth. 

The Shoffice was constructed from two slim, curved steel rings, connected with timbers, thereafter covered in plywood sheathing. The interior and exterior are covered in American white oak. A single cantilever desk is  housed under an angled skylight, with a secondary abstract roof opening, allowing a certain amount of natural sunlight when needed.  

Overall, the form echoes those found in nature - the continuous abstract forms, smooth lines, organic colours and the visibility of raw materials. Those all create a relaxing atmosphere in which to work. Unfortunately, there have been no deals about mass producing the shoffice, because I personally, would love to work in such kind of environment. I suppose it will remain as it was intended to be: one of a kind!

Photography: Alan Williams Photography