Studio House Project : 1998
Situated on a natural rock outcropping this small summer studio house for a seascape/landscape painter, combines living and working into approximately 2,900 sq ft. Conceived as a shipwreck, three volumes collide with the landscape, with the postern studio broken away and redirected.
The site is undisturbed and un-landscaped. A natural outcropping of rocks falls away to the North. Developed from an axis towards a distant lighthouse, wall lines and volumetric juxtapositions orient the interior spaces towards these views.
The driveway entrance terminates under the volumes of the second and third floors, Forming a covered parking area. The double height first floor space is accessed directly from the kitchen/dining area or the west facing studio. Interior views to below water level into the pool, reinforce the sunken concept of this space.
The second level is the guest floor. With balcony views back the first floor and across the pool, articulating window screen frames define views towards the landscape and ocean beyond.
Combined sleeping and working space occupy the open plan third floor. The working space takes advantage of the northern exposure as a separate volume rising from the massing below, access to terraces on the east side provide private and contemplative areas for the owners.
The small Postern Studio on axis with a view towards the lighthouse, functions primarily as an outdoor terrace for painting with the interior acting as studio/gallery.