the courtyard, located within the maldon town conservation area, although well used in the summer, is open to the elements and therefore lies empty all winter.

the client's brief was to provide individual booths for people to shelter from the weather during the winter, allowing them to enjoy a coffee in comfortable surroundings.

the key principle of the "booth" design was not only to create an intimate and private dining space but also to reduce the visual impact of the structures and retain the open feel to the courtyard space. the design centres around a circular table and sculpted seating. the walls wrap around the plan form and also curve from ground to ceiling level to create a cosy "pod". a continious window allows unobstructive views and this, combined with a feature rooflight, allow the space to be naturally lit during the day.