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Architects Directory 2009

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Studiomama

United Kingdom

BIOGRAPHY AND PRACTICE

Situated in east London, Studiomama is a young practice – founded just in the turn of the millennium - favouring an interdisciplinary approach and including architecture, products, furniture, interiors and accessories in their portfolio. Principle Nina Tolstrup, explains: "The wide range in disciplines covered is rooted in my Danish background and the tradition from architects like Arne Jacobsen, where design is considered in its totality. So the door handles, lighting, chairs etc are all designed to fit perfectly with the architecture." Tosltrup assigns dedicated teams to work on each project, which she personally supervises closely. As for her inspiration? "It is all about life, place, people and interaction", she says, "I can find inspiration anywhere and nowhere. It's very much about looking or not looking, and London is a fantastic place to find it."

THE HOUSE

Tostrup's vision led her back to Scandinavia, and to Sweden in particular. The Square Log House is designed for a bank side in a Swedish forest, and is essentially an attempt for a reinterpretation of the traditional log house. Adding a strong environmental element in the design, Tolstrup uses local wood and skipped extra insulation by taking advantage of the logs' inherent insulating quality. Heating and cooling is generated via geothermal systems and the structure's electrical needs are covered by an anaerobic composting system.

THE FUTURE

Approaching design and architecture through the client's perspective as much as possible, Tolstrup is also interested in building off the grid, always sensitive to environmental factors. Certain that the shape of architecture and design is set to change radically in the next few years, her aim for the immediate future is to explore options regarding international residential design, giving a special emphasis on local craftsmanship and techniques.

www.studiomama.com