The Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden – Audible
ICENILarch®
The Sound Bath Garden is an immersive, sensory installation designed by Carey Garden Design Studio for Audible’s Alan Partridge podcast series. Marrying experimental audio with material storytelling, the installation invites visitors to journey through a slice of contemporary Norfolk brought to life through a celebration of place, tone, and texture.
This was a high-profile project and sustainability and transparency in sourcing were non-negotiable. Working with British-grown and sustainably sourced timber was fundamental to the credibility and creative brief of the project.
The design needed a natural material that could deliver on all fronts: aesthetic integrity, sustainability and long-term performance. Timber offered the warmth and tactility the project demanded, while also complementing the sculptural pipe work and soft landscaping of the garden. The ease of installation was also a critical factor given the tight production schedule for this high-profile public commission.
Sourcing a reliable timber product proved frustrating with other suppliers offering the client over-seas products with little information about the origin and viability of the timber. Working with Millworks changed that. Detailed knowledge, transparent sourcing and relational links with suppliers in the chain gave the design team full confidence. Through an explorative and collaborative process, Carey Garden Design landed on ICENILarch®, a standout product that ticked every box: locally sourced, aesthetically beautiful, and available factory coated in the bespoke finish required.
“We love to work with Millworks. As a family business, we really value the personal touch and attention to detail that you get when working with experts in their field. We really appreciate being able to discuss our upcoming projects with someone and being offered options and methods we never knew were possible. The quality of communication is matched by the quality of the product and the service provided throughout. A totally safe pair of hands in an otherwise unpredictable industry — time and time again, Millworks have delivered for us, always exceeding our expectations.”
Joe & Laura – Carey Garden Design Studio
ICENILarch® is a sustainably sourced, UK-grown Larch chosen for its strength, durability, and distinctive natural character. With a naturally high resin content acting as an in-built preservative, ICENILarch® is particularly well-suited for external applications such as cladding and fencing.
Factory coated with MillCoat® ‘Weathered’ finish, the boards are delivered with a subtle semi-greyed tone that provides an immediate aged appearance. Over time, this finish works with the timber’s natural weathering process, allowing the boards to continue to silver naturally over time.
