Hollaway Studio is an architectural and interior design practice, specialising in interesting 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 interesting 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
Reimagining the Mundane: Crafting Unconventional and Interesting Houses
Our philosophy is one of fearless creativity, of reimagining the boundaries of what a house can be. Beyond the four walls and a roof, we believe that a house can be an artwork, a personality statement, a sanctuary of unique comfort, and an interactive space that sparks the imagination. In this article, we reveal some of our strategies in creating some of the most interesting houses on the architectural landscape.
Subverting Expectations
We start by challenging expectations. A house does not always have to conform to the archetypal shapes and structures. Why not a house that emulates the aerodynamic form of a bird in flight? Or one that appears to hover above the ground, defying gravity? These are the types of questions that guide our initial brainstorming. In subverting expectations, we’re able to create homes that inspire awe and wonder, houses that are more than mere living spaces but are landmarks, conversation pieces, and a constant source of inspiration and enjoyment for their inhabitants.
Creating Dynamic Interactions
One of the hallmarks of our design process is the creation of dynamic interactions. This could be an interaction between the house and its natural surroundings, between different parts of the house, or between the house and its occupants. We’ve designed houses that are intimately woven into the landscape, their forms and materials reflecting the colours and textures of their environment. In other projects, we’ve created interactive elements within the house, like walls that move to reveal hidden spaces, or floors that light up as you walk on them. It’s about infusing an element of dynamism and playfulness, transforming static structures into living, breathing entities.
Cultivating a Story
Every house we design at Hollaway Studio has a story to tell. This could be the story of the site’s history, of the occupants’ unique lifestyle, or of an abstract idea that serves as the design’s central theme. We’ve designed a house around the narrative of a local myth, another based on the concept of ‘floating’, and yet another that tells the story of its own construction through exposed structures and raw materials. This narrative approach results in houses that are deeply meaningful and engaging, offering a depth of experience that transcends the visual.
Marrying Functionality and Creativity
While we push the boundaries of creativity, we never lose sight of functionality. Each of our designs, however unconventional, is ultimately a comfortable, liveable home. We ensure this by engaging in detailed discussions with our clients, understanding their needs, and integrating these into the design in innovative ways. Whether it’s a book lover’s house with walls that double as bookshelves, a musician’s house with specially designed acoustic spaces, or a nature enthusiast’s house with an indoor garden and bird-watching tower, we craft designs that make our clients’ dreams come true in the most creative ways possible. In the world of residential design, ‘interesting’ does not necessarily mean ‘complex’ or ‘expensive’. ‘Interesting’ means houses that challenge the norm, inspire imagination, tell a story, and provide a perfect fit for their inhabitants’ unique lifestyles. It’s about crafting houses that make people rethink what a home can be, and in the process, rekindle their sense of wonder and excitement.