A Conversation with Studio Justice & Co.

Studio Justice & Co. are an architecture design studio situated in Frome and supported by the Makers Yard community. Their work is proving that architecture can be both thoughtful and sustainable. With a focus on low-carbon, bio-based construction and local craft, their work doesn’t chase trends or fixed styles. Instead, each project responds to its setting and the people who will live and work within it.

Their approach is guided by a belief in frugality and quality, where good design respects budgets as much as it does the planet. Clients are encouraged to be part of the process, with practical advice offered every step of the way. It’s design that looks forward, not for profit, but with the simple, powerful aim of leaving behind buildings that are healthier, kinder, and made to last for generations.

We sat down with Oliver from Studio Justice to discuss one of his latest projects, the challenges and solutions they found and also why they chose to work with HUSK to create The Frome Kitchen.

This project was about unlocking the potential of a modest 1970s bungalow. It sits on a hillside overlooking a beautiful valley, but years of unsympathetic alterations had left it feeling disjointed and inward-looking. Rather than extending, which is often the default, we wanted to prove that great design could happen within the existing footprint.

The big move was stripping away the clutter of past renovations and focusing on spatial quality. One key intervention was introducing a vaulted timber ceiling in the kitchen and dining space. This brought texture, warmth, and dappled natural light, creating a tactile experience that subtly enhances day-to-day living. Exposing the structural elements and using natural materials created a deeper sense of comfort, grounded in what we call a ‘biophilic’ connection, where architecture speaks to our innate love of nature.

At Studio Justice & Co., we often talk about architecture’s impact on people’s lives. The Frome bungalow is a perfect example of that philosophy – no grand statement, just a calm, light-filled space that feels good to live in. It aligns with what HUSK does so well: combining design intelligence with existing structures to create something fresh, personal, and deeply functional.

Working with existing buildings requires balancing budget, sustainability, and design ambition. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, we focused on creative reuse, ensuring materials were not wasted.

A key decision was using wood fibre insulation instead of petrochemical alternatives. This improved thermal mass, acoustic comfort, and fire resistance, while also reducing environmental impact. Combined with the exposed timber ceiling, these choices enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and created an inherently atmospheric space.

All of these design decisions might seem nuanced, but they all promote a frugal approach to resource management, an approach that is critical in our studio culture as we recognise the move towards a new world where overcoming challenges requires a keen eye on efficiency in design decisions that must render maximum effect for our clients.

Just like HUSK, we believe the future lies in making each design decision work harder, creating atmosphere and performance without excess.

I wanted to align my work with an approach that prioritises ethics and long-term value rather than being driven by industry norms. The construction sector remains largely oil-driven, often neglecting the environmental impact of unnecessary demolition and material waste. For me, good architecture starts with what already exists—respecting the embodied energy of buildings, using bio-based materials, and ensuring that any intervention is both necessary and meaningful.

Put simply: “The critical question above all other considerations has to become whether any proposal or action enhances or degrades the natural environment. It’s a simple test.” A great quote from Tom Woolley summarises our goal over the years to come: for this principle to underpin every project we work on. If we must build, we do so carefully—working with local, minimally processed resources and designing with frugality and integrity.

At Studio Justice & Co., we aim to apply this ethos across all our projects, recognising that while it isn’t always possible given the status quo of the industry, it remains our guiding principle. By prioritising creative reuse and intelligent design, we strive to create architecture that not only serves the present but also respects the past and safeguards the future.

I moved to Frome nearly 15 years ago and was struck immediately by its independent spirit and engaged community. There’s a strong creative current here, designers, artists, and craftspeople, all working alongside the mainstream with their own inherently independent approach. That community ethos has had a profound impact on our studio.

The “& Co.” in our name reflects the people we work alongside. We’re part of Makers’ Yard, a reimagined Victorian tannery that now houses creative design studios. We’re involved with M.Y Network, which supports local creatives across the south west, and we are proud members of the Neighbourhood Toolbox – a design collective empowering communities to shape their own environments.

A great example of Frome’s spirit is the Mayday Saxonvale project, the UK’s largest community-led development. It’s a new model for how towns can shape their own future, rooted in local insight and real consultation. That kind of collaborative thinking is what excites us, and it’s why we’re proud to be part of this community.

The rising cost of materials and labour has forced people to be more strategic with their projects. My advice is to focus on quality over quantity, investing in the parts of the home that will have the most impact on daily life rather than chasing square meterage. Working with an architect, or a company like HUSK, early on helps avoid expensive mistakes and ensures every decision contributes to a well-functioning whole.

More than ever, we must consider where our materials come from. The pandemic, coupled with Brexit and global instability, has shaken the foundations of construction in the UK. We’ve seen material prices fluctuate wildly, supply chains disrupted, and a renewed awareness of where things come from. All of this forces a shift: from expansion to intention.

We also encourage clients to source locally and use natural materials. Supporting British manufacturers and craftspeople creates resilience, not just in your project, but in the economy and the environment.

Sustainable living starts with rethinking assumptions about space, materials, and what makes a home truly work for the long term. Too often, homeowners feel constrained by their property’s existing form, especially bungalows, which are typically seen as simple, low-density homes with limited architectural ambition. However, with brave, strategic moves, an architect can unlock unexpected potential, transforming what might seem like an ordinary structure into a striking space.

The bungalow renovation in Frome is a prime example of this. Rather than defaulting to an extension or demolition, we focused on making the existing footprint work harder. A key intervention was introducing a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen and dining space, redefining the experience of the home by playing with volume, light, and materiality. This single move turned what could have been a standard renovation into a surprising and uplifting architectural experience, one that will enrich the lives of its occupants for generations.

Beyond form, material selection and investing in a fabric-first approach is crucial. Taking the opportunity to upgrade the performance of the building via the insulation and finishes is always a wise move. When doing so, the use of natural materials over petrochemical alternatives is critical as it results in a much healthier home, but also stimulates a market of better materials that don’t compromise future generations’ climate.

Sustainable renovation isn’t just about adding solar panels or heat pumps; it’s about smart design from the outset. Working with an architect who understands how to manipulate space, light, and materials ensures that sustainability is embedded in every decision, rather than treated as an expensive add-on. When homeowners embrace bold, well-considered interventions, they don’t just improve their homes; they create architecture that is unexpected, inspiring, and built to stand the test of time.

If you want to experience the best of Somerset, here’s the ideal weekend:

Saturday of Architecture & Art:

Dawn Walk at The Newt – A masterclass in local architecture, featuring Stonewood Design’s Story of Gardening, Invisible Studio’s Hadspen Apiary, and BiBO’s Wyvern Grotto, an imaginative folly.

Sunset at Hauser & Wirth, Bruton – A contemporary art hub, set in a restored farmstead with a Piet Oudolf-designed meadow that’s particularly magical at dusk.

Sunday of Nature & Community:

Sunrise at Cley Hill – A misty morning hike to an Iron Age hillfort, offering breathtaking views of Somerset’s landscape.

Frome Independent Market – A monthly showcase of Somerset’s creative spirit, featuring local food, crafts, and design.

Make sure to return for my personal favourite: The Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show. This annual event is a true celebration of Somerset’s rural heritage, featuring generations of cheesemakers, farmers, and artisans. What began over 150 years ago has evolved into the largest cheese show in the UK, yet remains deeply rooted in tradition.

Want to see more of Studio Justice & Co. or get in contact?

Website: studiojustice.co.uk

Instagram @studiojusticeandco