Jan Ernst Studio Finds a New Home in Woodstock

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Suly Kuhn/Laaik Social Media, Jan Ernst STYLING Lana Michele Fredericks/Myuzu.

South African multidisciplinary designer and ceramist Jan Ernst, the creative force behind Jan Ernst Studio, has expanded to a new studio in the Mother City.

Located in Woodstock’s historic Tollgate Building, Jan Ernst Studio‘s move to its expansive new premises is the ideal incubator for enhanced creativity and innovation.

The new studio in the iconic building is characterised by beautiful Art Deco details, with voluminous high ceilings, fluted columns, and abundant natural light. Given the studio’s commitment to sustainable artistic practices, the space perfectly complements Jan Ernst’s dedication to creating art that harmonises with its surroundings.

The move was driven by the studio’s growing portfolio, expanding palette of materials and the desire to foster a more creative work environment.

“Moving to Tollgate Plaza in Woodstock has significantly impacted our creative approach, particularly with the scale of projects we’re now capable of undertaking. The additional space has provided the freedom to explore more intricate and expansive works, allowing us to move beyond small models and directly into larger forms. This transition has been crucial in facilitating the complexity and ambition required for our evolving body of work,” says Jan Ernst.

The move aligns with the broader evolution of the studio’s design ethos, which is focused on expanding the boundaries of organic, textural forms while remaining true to its roots in craftsmanship.

“The new layout supports working with multiple materials—plaster, glass, and bronze—enabling a more seamless flow between processes. The larger space has afforded us the capacity to work more fluidly across different mediums and techniques, which is key to our future trajectory,” explains Jan. “We’re leaning into a multidisciplinary approach, with the studio acting as a space where the distinctions between art, design, and craft intersect,” he adds.

Converting the Tollgate Building into a fully functional studio came with certain challenges. “Transporting heavy furniture and kilns to the fifth floor required careful logistics, while the open layout and unsuitable flooring needed considerable adjustment to meet the demands of a ceramic-focused studio,“ says Jan. ”We took time to adapt the space, building structural walls for hanging heavier ceramic pieces and rethinking the layout to support both the scale of the projects and the materials used. The building’s architectural beauty—fluted concrete columns, high ceilings, and ample natural light—offered a canvas that inspired and energised our design decisions.”

Sustainability is also central to the philosophy at Jan Ernst Studio, and the new location has allowed the studio to embed even stronger practices into its workflow. “Proximity to local suppliers has reduced our transportation footprint, fostering relationships with artisans in the area while minimising environmental impact,” says Jan. “We’ve also implemented practical in-studio measures, such as a designated clay recycling station to reduce material waste. Our use of REBUL crates—made from recyclable cardboard—aligns with our goals for eco-friendly packaging and responsible shipping. The studio’s design emphasises functionality while ensuring our processes reflect a commitment to sustainability at every stage, from material sourcing to final delivery,” he continues.

The open layout of the new space has allowed the team to collaborate more fluidly and provided room for the Story Lab internship program, which has helped foster innovative thinking and fresh perspectives. The inclusion of an exhibition area has transformed the studio into a dynamic space that acts as an incubator for deeper engagement with the studio’s collectors and supporters. | jan-ernst.com

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