A whole ecosystem of design
Outpost is committed to exploring how we can develop new relationships to the natural world. We think about the quality of our designs in terms of direct lived experience alongside the feasibility and impact of their production and usage. Our projects are focused around the natural and a bigger idea of connectedness: from materiality and the process of making, to understanding contexts and that what we do doesn’t exist in isolation. We are all part of one ecosystem.
Home of 2030 Outpost Shortlisted Entry
Our approach
Our approach is one of curiosity and action, questioning and learning through doing. It thrives on collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives from a network of specialists, manufacturers, and contractors, working with clients ranging from landowners and commercial developers to individual home-dwellers.
The studio’s values are guided by a belief in the essential interplay of pleasure and beauty in the everyday with ethical responsibility and design efficiency. Only through this balance can we address both personal and planetary well-being.
Outpost designs to tread lightly
Our new build projects are designed to achieve exceptional thermal performance by prioritising natural, bio-based building materials wherever possible. There are numerous approaches to construction, each offering unique solutions for insulation, thermal mass, and airtightness. Selecting the right methods involves careful consideration of your lifestyle and the local context. Striking the perfect balance between these qualities is key to creating a sustainable and comfortable living environment.
We work with both traditional building methods and modern factory-assembled systems, which can deliver significant quality and cost benefits. Natural building materials come in a wide variety of forms, and the key is carefully selecting the most suitable options to meet the unique constraints of each project.
While it’s essential to build with natural materials, preserving our forests is equally crucial. I-frame joists use only a fraction of the timber needed for solid glulam or traditional timber-frame studwork, providing a more sustainable and resource-efficient solution.
We aim to construct using hygroscopic natural building materials that facilitate the movement of vapour through the building fabric. This approach helps prevent harmful moisture build-up and mould while ensuring the materials remain free from toxins.
Natural building materials provide an incredible palette of finishes, textures, and colours, transforming simple, clean architecture into a beautifully rich and engaging experience.
Whenever possible, we collaborate with skilled craftspeople who bring an added level of attention to detail in their work. While finding the right team can be challenging, over the years we’ve built a trusted network of experienced collaborators to help us deliver exceptional projects.
We believe the best way to truly understand the materials and processes we’re designing with is by getting our hands dirty! There’s no substitute for first-hand experience, and whenever possible, we encourage both our clients and studio team to actively participate in every stage of construction.
Our design philosophy for all living is rooted in a deep commitment to examining every detail with care and ensuring we consider the lasting impact of our work on future generations. We approach each project both at the micro and macro scale, striving for sustainability and responsibility in every aspect.
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People
Robin Sjöholm and Thomas Housden established the design and architecture studio, Outpost, in 2016, after two decades of shared experiences spanning study, living, and working together. The studio was formed out of a deep sense of solidarity and a shared ambition to bring ideas to life. With a passion for creating meaningful and sustainable spaces, Outpost seeks to challenge conventions and push boundaries, working collaboratively to turn vision into reality. Their approach combines creativity, practicality, and a strong belief in the power of design to transform environments and communities.
Founders
Robin Sjöholm
Director, Architect, AA Dip Arch RIBA
Passivhaus Certified Designer
Robin studied Architecture at the Architectural Association. He gained valuable experience as a Project Architect in practice, notably at the award-winning design practice Project Orange, working as Project Architect on a series of large scale residential and commercial projects, including Shoreham Street, Sheffield, which won the practice a regional RIBA award. Robin also worked at practices such as DSDHA, Satmoko Ball and Scape Architects.
Thomas Housden
Director, Architect, Dip Arch RIBA
Tom studied Architecture at The Bartlett, UCL, where he was awarded a RIBA Bronze Medal Commendation. He later became Senior Architect at Ab Rogers Design, serving as Project Architect on a number of residential, commercial, and retail developments, including the refurbishment of Selfridges Birmingham. Prior to this, Tom worked on a diverse range of residential, commercial, and education projects at Baynes & Mitchell Architects, Sarah Featherstone Architects, and Will Alsop. Tom has also taught at the Cambridge University Architecture Department. His creative leadership is characterized by an ability to inspire innovative design solutions, fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of architectural thinking. Tom’s approach combines a keen eye for detail with a strategic vision, ensuring that each project delivers exceptional results.
Robin Sjöholm
Director, Architect, AA Dip Arch RIBA
Passivhaus Certified Designer
Thomas Housden Director, Architect, Dip Arch RIBA
Isis Cocco Isis is our Lead Interior & Product Designer, overseeing all aspects of design coordination to ensure each project is fully integrated and resolved. She works closely with our clients during the design development stages, ensuring their vision is brought to life with a cohesive and tailored approach.
Lennart Meinert Lennart is a Part I Architect with an expert eye for detailing. His ability to tackle complex tasks and coordinate various aspects of a project is well beyond his years, making him an invaluable asset to our team. Currently studying for his Master's, Lennart continues to contribute to the office on a part-time basis, balancing his academic pursuits with his professional responsibilities.
Dawid Wojcik Dawid is an experienced Architectural Assistant, specialising in the technical stages of design. With a broad range of expertise in construction detailing and complex design coordination, he plays a key role in ensuring the seamless integration of all aspects of the project.
Alessandra Monticelli Alessandra is a former team member and occasional collaborator whom we deeply value for her sensitivity and keen graphic eye in shaping our projects. Her ability to bring thoughtful, visually compelling perspectives adds a unique dimension to our work, and we are always excited to collaborate with her.
Elin Keyser Elin is a qualified Architect who joined us in 2019 and has since gone on to establish her own practice. Throughout her time with us, Elin demonstrated an unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability, always striving to incorporate eco-friendly solutions into her designs. Her passion for creating buildings that are not only functional but also kind to the planet continues to drive her work as she builds a practice focused on sustainable architecture.
Our frequent collaborators
Over the years, we have built an extensive network of contractors, specialist subcontractors, expert collaborators, suppliers, academic researchers, and design consultants. We believe that this network of like-minded specialists, all committed to delivering high-quality, well-thought-out outcomes, is essential to the success of our projects. It also enhances the process, making it not only more effective but enjoyable, as we engage with a wider team of experts who share our passion and vision.
Recognitions
The Home of 2030: RIBA Competition
Shortlist finalist, 2020
Great Place. Lakes & Dales: RIBA Competition
Winner, 2019
Twickenham Riverside: RIBA Competition
Shortlist finalist, 2019
Article, Architects’ Journal – Rising stars win Lakes and Dales housing contests
7 August 2019
By Richard Waite
Gasholder Bases: RIBA Competition
Winner, 2018