Ash, Doors, Studio, Corston, Mortise, Oiled
Studio Threshold
These bespoke solid ash doors were designed and made for a creative studio in Great Bookham, Surrey. The glazed, greenhouse-style building creates a bright workspace but also experiences significant seasonal changes in temperature.
The doors therefore needed to be visually simple while being carefully engineered for their environment, combining traditional mortise and tenon construction with considered timber selection and understated Corston hardware.
BRIEF.
The client wanted contemporary internal doors that felt understated and beautifully made, allowing the natural colour and grain of the ash to do most of the visual work.
They also needed to remain reliable within a highly glazed studio where temperatures can change significantly through the year. Premium hardware and a simple, well-proportioned design were important to the overall feel.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS.
The studio environment was the defining challenge. Large areas of glazing mean the space can become particularly warm, increasing the seasonal movement expected from solid timber.
Rather than treating this as a problem after the doors were built, timber movement informed the project from the beginning. Boards were selected for straight, consistent grain so they would respond more predictably to changing temperature and humidity.
Traditional mortise and tenon construction then provided a strong, proven framework within which that natural movement could take place.
THE MAKING PROCESS.
Following the site survey, the opening was measured carefully and the ash was selected not simply for appearance, but for grain direction and stability. The clean design meant there was nowhere for poor material selection or inaccurate joinery to hide, so each board was considered individually before machining began.
The doors were constructed in the workshop using traditional mortise and tenon joints. Each component was machined, assembled and dry-fitted before the final preparation, with the proportions kept restrained so the natural ash remained the focus.
A hardwax oil finish was applied to protect the timber while retaining its tactile character and visible grain. Corston architectural hardware was chosen to complement the quality of the joinery without becoming a dominant feature. The completed doors were then installed and adjusted on site to achieve consistent margins and smooth operation.
“Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship, we're extremely happy with the care and attention throughout the project. Thanks so much!”
- Sara Stindum, Lewes