DeDraft Studio

DeDraft Studio: End Grain Larch in the Heart of East London

In East London, a modest 100 m² ground floor has been transformed into a vibrant and flexible studio space. Designed by the young North London architectural practice DeDraft, in collaboration with Unagru, the project combines upcycled materials and innovative detailing with a strong focus on atmosphere and durability.

Flooring with Strength and Character

For this project, Hørning supplied larch end grain flooring, chosen for its remarkable strength and distinctive character. Unlike traditional planks, end grain blocks are cut across the growth rings of the wood. This technique produces a surface that is exceptionally resistant to wear, making it ideal for high-traffic environments like studios and collaborative workspaces.

A Flexible Space for Creativity

The design incorporates former joinery and birch ply panelling, carefully repurposed to reduce waste and celebrate material honesty. A glazed sliding partition creates a flexible meeting room that can open up for events or be closed for focused work, ensuring the space adapts to the needs of its users.

Collaboration at the Core

Durability, sustainability and craft are values that connect DeDraft’s architectural vision with Hørning’s flooring heritage. The larch end grain floor grounds the studio with warmth and resilience, making it not only a practical solution but also a design element that enriches the experience of the space.

As architects continue to explore flexible, sustainable and inspiring work environments, the DeDraft studio stands as an example of how strong ideas and strong materials come together to create something lasting.

Photos by: Tim Crocker