Mainyard Creative Workspace, Enfield

Low-cost artist studios in North London

Background

We were asked to complete a deep retrofit and thermal overhaul of an unused car bodyshop in Enfield to provide much-needed affordable ‘maker spaces’ for artists.

Client:
Mainyard Studios
Status
Completed
Approach

A building within building creating affordable thermally efficient workspaces

To provide a high-quality internal environment, our retrofit strategy was to effectively construct a new building inside the existing space: a highly insulated timber-frame structure, minimising demolition and reusing as much of the existing fabric as practicable.

We optimised lettable floorspace by introducing duplex studio workspaces that make use of the tall, warehouse-like existing structure.

We arranged communal spaces to optimise opportunities for informal conversation and collaboration, helping to foster a strong creative community at the site – which is what Mainyard Studios are all about.

To keep rental rates low for incoming tenants, we took care to minimise build costs without undermining the quality of the spaces on offer.

Outcome

The maker spaces are open and available for rent, offering affordable studios for creative expression and production – the kind of facility that has been gradually phased out of the city over recent years.