Most of our work involves consulting and designing with groups of potential building users. We do sometimes get involved in design of buildings for more straightforward clients.

Even here though much of our approach remains the same, with investment of time in detailed briefing, an informal but thorough process of exploring alternatives, and a commitment to involving as many as possible of the people who will use the buildings - directors and caretakers have equally valid viewpoints.

We were asked to design a small, simple building to be constructed at the end of a client's garden, to provide a kind of domestic retreat - a place to work, relax and occasionally sleep away from the distractions of the family.

We worked up proposals for a simple timber building with a form which responds to both the location next to an attractive river, and the desire to get sunlight indoors despite the location, tucked up close to neighbouring houses.