Hollaway Studio is an architectural and interior design practice, specialising in creative houses, that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.
We have designed and built many projects over the years in Kent and the Southeast of the UK. We create ambitious designs that reflect the surroundings focused on how people use spaces and flow through a building. Working closely with our clients, our team of architects and interior designers realise your brief and aspirations to create a successful and memorable guest experience.
Design begins with feeling – for place, for the past, for the needs and wants of the now, and for a future that matters. It listens. It empathises. It’s pragmatic. It’s an understanding that informs everything we do. It makes buildings that work – truly, beautifully. This is how we approach all creative houses projects.
An architecture and design practice is nothing without its people, and the very best practices are those in which everyone has a voice – however different it may be. We are extremely fortunate Hollaway is exactly this: an extraordinary bunch of thinkers, talkers, and doers. These are the people that get buildings made.
Hollaway’s approach to house design always starts with people and place. How does a building contribute to the community it will inhabit? How will people interact and engage with the architecture created in this space? Under his leadership and hands on approach Guy Hollaway has created a design-led Practice committed to innovative building solutions, with work ranging from prestigious one off commissions to large scale regeneration projects.
The RIBA award-winning house design practice has built its reputation working on a wide array of projects, including a cutting-edge skate park, the world’s first heritage theme park, a bespoke artist’s studio in an open field, and a high-end seafood restaurant. The breadth of these projects may be wide, but each one brings the perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity, with a firm focus on placemaking, sustainability and the experience of the individuals who will use the space.
London
10A Acton Street WC1X 9NG
+44 (0)20 7096 5425
Kent
The Tramway Stables, Rampart Road
Hythe CT21 5BG
+44 (0)1303 260 515
Unleashing Creativity: Crafting Unusually Innovative Homes
We’ve always relished pushing the boundaries of design, taking unconventional approaches that result in the construction of truly extraordinary homes. Today, we’re lifting the veil to share insights into our creative process of building these unique residential wonders.
Challenging the Norms
Traditional designs have their charm, but there’s something inherently appealing about the unexpected. A curved wall in a sea of straight lines, a sunken living room amidst levelled spaces, or a floating staircase defying the laws of gravity — these are the elements that provoke thought, stir curiosity, and shape an environment that’s far from ordinary. When we embark on a design journey, we first challenge the ‘norms’. We ask ourselves, “Can we turn this upside-down? How would it look if it was elongated, shortened, twisted or tilted?” This mindset of constant curiosity and exploration is the first step towards crafting a truly unique home.
Designing With The Land, Not Against It
We embrace the unique characteristics of each plot, using its natural features as a springboard for our designs. Steep slopes, rocky outcrops, or panoramic views aren’t constraints, but elements that inspire innovative solutions. We once designed a house that was built into a hill, integrating the landscape as a living part of the dwelling. Another project saw us designing a stunning treetop residence, perched among the branches and giving its occupants an unmatched birds-eye view. By weaving nature into the fabric of our designs, we not only reduce environmental impact, but also create homes that offer a unique experience of cohabitation with the surrounding landscape.
Utilising Unconventional Materials
Part of our creative process involves exploring unconventional materials and repurposing them in new, exciting ways. We’ve used everything from repurposed shipping containers, to rammed earth, to recycled glass, all as integral parts of our designs. By using these unconventional materials, we’re not only pushing design boundaries, but also promoting sustainability. Reclaimed wood can become a rustic wall feature, while recycled glass can be used to create stunning, light-diffusing windows. These materials aren’t just eco-friendly; they’re also conversation starters, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to our designs.
Innovative Technology Integration
In our pursuit of the extraordinary, we harness modern technology to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of our designs. Whether it’s integrating state-of-the-art smart home systems or employing architectural software to create previously impossible forms, technology plays a critical role in our design process. We’ve incorporated everything from retractable glass walls that allow seamless indoor-outdoor living, to green roofs equipped with solar panels, to homes designed to be 3D printed. Our approach to technology isn’t merely about gadgets and gizmos; it’s about utilising these advancements to enhance the way we live in and interact with our spaces.
Creating Homes, Not Houses
Our ethos is simple: we build homes, not houses. A house is a structure, but a home is a reflection of the people who live in it. Our unconventional designs are not just about shock and awe; they’re about crafting spaces that resonate with the inhabitants’ personalities and lifestyles. So, whether it’s a house shaped like a seashell, a home built into a mountain, or a residence that seems to defy gravity, our mission remains the same: to create spaces that are as unique as the individuals who call them home. With a blend of curiosity, innovation, and a dash of audacity, we transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.