OCA Studio

Continuing on our theme of bathrooms, the bathroom at our recently completed project in Nottingham provides an inner sanctuary, by utilising light and optimsing space to provide a room with rest, recovery and relaxation in mind.

We have recently been exploring options for the community ownership of Colintraive Church on the Kyles of Bute, with a particular focus on improving the internal arrangement and facilities in order for the space to suit the current and future needs of this small but vibrant community. Consideration of access routes to and within the church and surrounding graveyard have been a vital part of the process, ensuring that the space is accessible to all.

The upper bathroom of our recently completed project at Sciennes Road is neatly nestled within the new zinc-clad dormer, making efficient use of the space. The ornate screen offers privacy as well as visual interest, casting a play of filigree light and shadow across internal walls.

Our clients have recently moved into this semi-detached property in the Blacket conservation area, and wanted to explore options for improving the spatial arrangement of living spaces whist creating a stronger connection to their garden by introducing a new extension to the rear of the property. Increased visual connections to nature, achieving a better flow through the property and tackling energy efficiency have been primary considerations throughout the design process.

It's all in the details. We worked closely with our client to create carefully crafted interior spaces that helped open up and reinvigorate a compact flat in the Dean Village. The internal cabinetry and joinery were wonderfully fabricated and installed by Edinburgh-based @broad.workshop and work hard to offer flexibility, storage and a place to showcase our client's fantastic collection of books and objects. Photo by Angus Bremner

Prioritising connections to nature inspired the detailing of our recently completed extension project in Nottingham. A view out to the garden, framed with birch ply detailing offers an enjoyable and cosy space to sit for some quiet contemplation.

OCA are delighted to be working with the Friends of Colintraive Church committee to realise ideas that will help bring the church back into use for the local community, as well as conserve the historic building fabric. The church, beautifully nestled on the shore of the Kyles of Bute, is an important piece of local heritage and a meaningful gathering place for both the immediate and wider rural community.

A perforated metal screen to this new dormer in Edinburgh provides privacy to a new bathroom tucked within its volume. We designed this feature as a contemporary response to the variety of historic cast ironwork in the area, including the decorative balconies to the neighbouring property. The laser cut steel panel adds depth and interest to the façade which carry into the interior, as the sun casts its filigree shadow across the internal walls. Photo by Angus Bremner Structural engineer : @narroassociates Main contractor: @oroccoltd Zinc: @vmzincuk

A new rear extension to this Victorian semi-detached villa in Nottingham is separated from the existing dwelling with a slice of frameless glazing, which draws the eye out to the garden as well as bringing daylight deep into the interior of the property. Black-stained kitchen units pick up the tones of the external timber cladding, while birch veneer plywood linings, cork flooring, and @_foresso countertops add a natural warmth to the space.

Constructed using salvaged stone from on-site downtakings, this masonry planter allows foliage to sit right against the new full-height glazing to the garden room, blurring the transition between inside and out. Structural engineer : @narroassociates Contractor: @cbc.ltd Quantity Surveyor: @thomsongrayltd