A new garden room in Kent, The Folly is a compact prefabricated structure made from a series of steel and OSB cassettes that arch between perimeter supports and a central staircase. Diamond-shaped glazing wraps around the building with minimal interruption from the slender steel structure, offering clear views through the space and out to the surrounding landscape.
Making a complex form buildable
The project began as a sculptural idea. Working in collaboration with WGP Architects and the specialist fabricators, our role was to make it practical to construct, drawing on a detailed understanding of structural geometry and the combined use of digital design and craftsmanship. Seen from above, the building’s spiral of triangles appears simple, but the geometry beneath is intricate. Careful control of that complexity allowed us to create a straightforward, efficient construction system.
Flat-pack engineering
The structure is formed from a kit of flat components in steel and timber. The OSB triangular panels brace the thin steel plates, while the plates span across the vaulted space. Together, they create a lightweight but rigid shell that can be assembled quickly on site.
Precision and prefabrication
All elements were designed for off-site manufacture and easy on-site assembly. We produced the 2D laser-cutting geometry for the 10 mm steel plates and 4 mm truss diagonals, with engraved markings to ensure accurate positioning and welding. The CNC-cut OSB panels included rebates for the bespoke rainscreen cladding brackets, ensuring precise alignment and a consistent finish inside and out.
Factory-level accuracy on site
To deliver a perfect fit, we developed bespoke design methods and assembly toolkits. These enabled the on-site team to achieve factory-level accuracy within site conditions. The result is a small, technically ambitious building that demonstrates how thoughtful geometry and precise fabrication can turn a complex concept into an elegant and buildable structure.
