Designed by Jordan Ralph and inspired by boat building techniques, the Studio Drop project provides a remote spot for artist residencies
An off-grid artist studio space has been built on Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, located off the west coast of Ireland. Named Studio Drop, the hut-like space has been created to host creative residencies throughout summer and was commissioned by arts organisation Drop Everything for the Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture programme (which has been extended due to Covid-19).
The space has been designed and built by Jordan Ralph and a team of Drop Everything collaborators, with its architecture taking inspiration from common sights on Ireland’s coastal landscape including martello towers and beehive huts. The construction methods took cues from traditional techniques used by local fishing boat builders in Galway.
The studio is a small cylindrical structure clad in green-stained wood, with a window looking out to sea. Interior design features include a hammock style daybed made from a trawler net washed ashore during a winter storm, salvaged by local fisherman.
It is designed as a space for artists to think, read, write, and develop ideas. Visual artists, writers, illustrators, musicians and photographers, are invited to participate in week-long residencies on the island. The hope is that the studio can easily up and move to different locations in the future.
Photography by Mark McGuinness
Get a curated collection of architecture and design news like this in your inbox by signing up to our ICON Weekly newsletter
