Located in Enfield, The Pickled Egg represents a radical "retrofit-first" approach to the neglected typology of the mid-century outbuilding. The project involved the transformation of a 1960s prefabricated concrete garage—originally destined for demolition—into a high-performance garden studio and private pub at the rear of a 1930s terraced house.

Rejecting the carbon cost of replacement, the design retains the original modular concrete panels as a primary structural and thermal anchor. By opting for a retrofit over a new build, the project significantly reduced waste and embodied carbon. The existing precast concrete wall panels and columns are wrapped in a high-performance envelope of external insulation and charred Thermowood cladding, chosen for its durability and its ability to recede into the garden’s perimeter.

The interior is defined by a curated contrast between the raw industrial texture of the original concrete and the warmth of birch plywood linings. A striking graphic vinyl floor provides a contemporary focal point, while the strategic use of glazing and movable furniture creates a "TARDIS" effect—maximising the perceived volume and ensuring the 15sqm footprint remains highly flexible.

The space serves a dense program, functioning as a professional workspace for Nicholas Kirk Architects a music studio for indie folk band Lost Chimes. Outside of working hours, it transitions seamlessly into a social hub for music and leisure. The internal build-up incorporates high-density acoustic insulation and decoupled linings. The mass of the original concrete panels, combined with the birch plywood interior, provides excellent sound attenuation and internal resonance control, mitigating noise transfer to the surrounding residential gardens.

The Pickled Egg demonstrates how modest, low-value structures can be elevated through creative materiality and rigorous spatial planning to meet the complex demands of contemporary work-life integration.

Existing Outbuilding