Backyard Shed | Artist Studio

Backyard Shed, Artist Studio

Challenge

This wonderful couple recently purchased a smaller house with great character in the Overlook neighborhood but needed a dedicated studio space for the art creation. Having a space to get into the zone for that or any type of creative work is critical, and this property had a very run down garage that was already becoming a liability.

Solution

Since the garage needed to be removed it made sense to build new in it’s place. Not all garages can be saved! The solution became obvious after a site visit and our first design meeting: to create a simple, beautiful, and light filled studio space in the corner of the property where the garage had been. Opening the south side of the shed to the garden to capture the gorgeous light filled views, and accessing the building through narrower space between the buildings made sense because it preserved the access to the alley and doubled the use of that path.

Results

This small, simple, structure speaks volumes about the values of the clients. The building fits right in matching the critical details and quality of construction to the exiting house. We preserved the beautiful maple tree that shades and dapples the studio with light. The view from the space is calming and natural, and the use of natural materials and ample windows brings nature into the space. This efficient design and execution is a hallmark of our process and product, and we are equally proud of these buildings as we are of our larger (equally efficient!) homes.