Retirement provides an opportunity for new beginnings, a time to pursue passions. As our client, Bren, delved deeper into her full-time photography endeavor, she needed an artist studio–a dedicated and inspiring space to work on projects such as her Backbone Series.
A small home with a big backyard
Working out of a bedroom and kitchen posed challenges, and Bren’s house was too small to accommodate an artist studio. However, her large Salem lot offered the potential for a freestanding structure. While surrounded by neighbors on all sides, the wooded backyard provided shade and privacy. Removing an old shack allowed plenty of room to add the desired studio.
First, the new structure was thoughtfully oriented to create a sense of connectivity to the existing home with a direct path between. The landscaping then further connects the home and artist studio with a shared green space.
An efficient floor plan
Currently in the construction document phase, with Hamish Murray Construction scheduled to break ground in spring 2025, the plan features an entry, powder room, open studio space, dark room, and work deck. The design purposefully integrates a 15-foot bi-fold door and movable furniture to expand the workspace onto the deck, where Bren uses sun exposure in her film processing.
A contemporary exterior
Architectural context is important. However, the design of a new structure doesn’t necessarily need to match an existing home. In this case, we prioritized scale and material relationships, with the size and form of the artist studio referencing the original 1940s ranch-style home. But rather than repeat the lap siding found on the existing house, the exterior of the new studio features tight knot Western Red Cedar siding in a board and batten pattern with tongue and groove eaves. And instead of painting the new siding, we explored numerous stain samples to determine the perfect selection for an exterior that complements (rather than copies) the existing home. In the end, a semi-solid ebony stain achieved the desired hue.
Marvin Elevate windows and a Marvin Bi-fold door provide clean details to reinforce the contemporary appeal. Last but not least, Deckorators Voyage Sedona for the deck completes the exterior palette. This composite material matches the existing deck of the home, supporting the relationship between the two structures.
A utilitarian interior
A simple, functional interior supports the efficient plan to create a photographer’s ideal studio. A vaulted ceiling with skylights adds a sense of spaciousness and floods the interior with natural light. Moreover, well-considered artificial lighting enhances work functions and wall display space.
We selected durable materials, such as stainless steel countertops and sinks, to withstand the wear and tear of daily tasks. This choice also ensured the longevity of the work environment. Additionally, instead of concrete or tile, a Marmoleum flooring specification addresses durability and comfort, to ease standing all day and minimize resulting back pain.
A high-performance envelope
Proper detailing maximizes the efficiency of small structures. We designed this artist studio to feature a truly high-performance envelope with exterior insulation, a rain screen, and a fully insulated crawlspace. Furthermore, all mechanical elements will be located inside the insulated envelope.
Are you dreaming about your own artist studio?
Whether you are looking to create a workspace or artist studio in your home, or contemplating an addition or new structure, we welcome the opportunity to help you maximize your house or site. Call us.