The Exbury Egg, a project by SPUD Group and PAD Studio, features a western red cedar exterior and an interior skin of reclaimed wood, manufactured by boat builder Paul Baker.

Totton delivered the cedar, with its supplier Lathams being a sponsor at the launch event. Other timber sector sponsors include Howdens Joinery, SJG Carpentry and KJ Kilford Carpentry Contractors Ltd.

“James Latham is delighted to be sponsoring the project because it’s involving schools, is deeply environmental and demonstrating a fascinating use of timber,” said Paul Latham, a director at Lathams.

The egg is being used as a workspace for artist Stephen Turner, whose work explores “a more emphatic relationship with nature, revealing the precious and transcendent in everyday life”.

The project’s key premises of “Lean, Green and Clean” and “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” means Mr Taylor will rely on solar power for his electricity needs. Funders include Arts Council England and the Paul Hamyln Foundation.