The thoughtful placement of this new two-story cantilevered art studio on the foundations of a pre-existing garage structure creates new outdoor spaces which benefit the studio as well as the existing farmhouse on site. Located in an urban Seattle neighborhood, the studio “pops out” in two directions by utilizing a cantilevered concrete slab and cantilevered wood framing. The design thus maximizes usable floor area, without the need for new foundation work. Inside, the resulting staggered section creates a double-height space which provides ship ladder access to the second-floor loft, invites natural light to filter down from above, and unifies the two levels into a single space. Covered outdoor spaces create areas for relaxation and bicycle/firewood storage, as well as providing sun shading to the building’s first floor.

The material palette is economical and practical, yet honest and dignified. Rough-sawn exterior wood siding is stained dark to blend with the surrounding vegetation. Interior GWB is painted white to maximize natural light, and the concrete slab and wood roof framing are kept unfinished to reveal their natural color. Custom triple-panel folding doors designed and fabricated by the architect utilize stock door panels supported by piano hinges.