Nestled into the existing tree line, the standalone studio uses vertical wood siding and expansive windows to blend into its wooded setting. A covered deck extends the workspace outdoors, while inside, an open, light-filled layout leaves plenty of room for painting, yoga, workshops, and overnight guests. Supplied photos
For one local artist, room to create meant getting out of the house entirely.
The idea for a standalone studio on the family’s wooded property began as a gift from the artist’s husband, who wanted to give his wife a dedicated place for her work. The couple had previously worked with Alloy Architecture + Construction on their primary residence and detached garage, making the studio their third project together.
Rather than carving out space inside the home, the artist wanted somewhere oil paints could remain out, canvases could dry undisturbed, and still lifes of seasonal flora could develop over the course of days. Designed by BRW Architects and built by Alloy, the resulting retreat also accommodates yoga, workshops, and overnight guests.
The wooded setting helped dictate both the studio’s footprint and its orientation. Instead of clearing the site, the building was nestled into the existing tree line, preserving the forest while providing privacy. Expansive windows frame the surrounding woods and allow natural light to shift across the interior throughout the day, fulfilling the client’s desire to be “in the trees, like she’s part of nature.”
Materials further reinforce that connection. Vertical wood siding on the exterior echoes the trunks surrounding the building, while hardwood floors warm the open interior. Double doors lead to a low-profile deck beneath a deep roof overhang, extending the usable space outdoors and allowing fresh air into the studio.
Inside, simplicity makes the relatively small footprint adaptable. Uninterrupted walls provide room for large canvases and easels, while the open central floor can transition from an artist’s workspace to a spot for yoga or creative workshops. A tucked-away full bathroom allows the studio to function independently from the main house when guests stay over.
Having an established relationship with the clients helped Alloy approach the project with an understanding of how the family already used the property. “That trust allowed us to skip the ‘get to know you’ stage and jump straight into creative problem-solving,” the team says.
The finished studio is ultimately less about adding another building than creating a place with a specific purpose—one that can evolve alongside the family that uses it. As Alloy describes it, the result is “a deliberately uncommon space built around the simple joy of making art among the trees.”
