2019; Wyre Forest; Leaky dam

For the last two years Studio in the Wood visited Wyre Forest, the largest continuous ancient woodland in England. The oak woodland sits on land originally gifted to John Ruskin (1819-1900) when he established the Guild of St George in the 1870s. The founding aim of the Guild was to acquire land and – through labour, wind and water power – bring it into useful production. We were generously hosted by the Guild of Saint George and the Wyre Community Land Trust. 

We designed and build a leaky dam to support flood management, define a crossing and offer a resting place to enjoy the tranquility of the site.

2018; Wyre Forest; A forest clearing

Our group chose a site amongst a crop of oak saplings. Using a carefully developed knot and biodegradable rope we horizontally tied 1x2 inch lengths of oak battens from tree to tree. The resulting funnel encourages the trees to lean outwards. It creates a gap in the tree canopy, lets light fall on the forest floor encouraging new growth and enhancing biodiversity. 

2017; at Invisible Studio Somerset; Stegosaurus

Our team found two trees which had fallen into each other and build a new route exploring the natural spectacle.

2013; Stanton Park; Field Lounger

After lengthy exploration of Stanton Park and Stratton Woods our group emerged out of the woodlands to enjoy the wide, open views over the fields near Swindon. We designed and constructed the Lounger to invite the casual walker to rest and let the time pass by.

2011; Isle of Wight; Transition (Janus) Piece

Inspired by a small, protected natural bowl high up in the large, open valley we created a transition piece. Elevated, the individual can enjoy wide views across the valley. Beyond the ridge, one descends across a flint field, speed slows, views orientate downwards studying plants, smelling scents, relishing silence sheltered from the wind. Seating invites for a communal experience of banter and rest. Much thought went into the development of an elegant locked scissor joint.

2010; Isle of Wight; Rolling Hills Lounger:

Following on from last year we explored weaving and bending. Our group 'exploited the material character of thinly sliced green timber with a hill-side construction curled up like a giant wood shaving.' (http://studiointhewoods.org.uk/media/downloads/sitw_BD_James_Payne.pdf) or in the words of Toby Lewis ‘produced an expressionist double curve perched on the side of the hill, a breaking wave of timber surf. This giant quiff was possible due to a network of tension ropes with one curve pulling the other into shape and vice versa. Its form enabled the wary and careful occupant to lie horizontally on a hill facing outwards or recline in the shade.’

2009; Kemerton Gloucestershire; Woven canopy:

Having observed the amount of wastage during the wood cutting process in the previous year, we decided to work with waste only.

The site was the grid of the managed forest. Drawing emphasis to the missing grid points - the trees which had been felled during the forest management process a canopy was devised, which drew support from the trees, but sagged where the trees were missing, giving it its organic shape. Branches of felled trees were used for the woven structure. The canopy was installed at head height.

2008; Kemerton Gloucestershire; Badger and Sky Watching Platform:

Our group decided to build a badger watching platform in a clearing, which also offered sky watching should the badgers not turn up. Inspired by the location, set out by sight lines, our structure grew amongst the trees whilst developing connection details, different hammock solutions, building looms for weaving and making rope.