Nautilus Studio in Redmond, Washington by Calico Studio

Article source: Calico Studio

Most artists if pressed could produce their work in a bathroom, adapting to their means. Our client wanted a space that would call her to create, while providing a visual connection to her family that could easily be broken and reestablished. We found inspiration in the spirals of the nautilus, sweeping from the main house the studio is tucked in between existing site constraints.

Image Courtesy Calico Studio

• Architects: Calico Studio
• Project: Nautilus Studio
• Location: Redmond, Washington

Image Courtesy Calico Studio

Our building provides a calm space for reflection and work but with possibilities for spontaneity. Outside, where the shape of the roof implies a passing breeze or a rolling wave, conversations and camaraderie are a natural occurrence on the front porch and continue around the building to a hidden terrace dappled in light. Reminiscent of ancient cathedrals, thick AAC (aerated autoclave concrete) masonry walls ground the building and with age will continue to meld into the landscape.

Image Courtesy Calico Studio

When it’s time to get to work, our textile artist retreats inside under custom glulam beams that stretch in broad arcs capturing and bouncing natural light into the workspace. The open workspaces, split into dry and wet, are activated by custom wheeled furniture made from a downed cedar tree milled onsite, the spaces adapting to each task.

Image Courtesy Calico Studio

The proximity to the existing house and sight lines to play areas maintain a close family connection. We were able to achieve this connection by leveraging the malleability of wood in the size and shape of the glulams. By broadening the underside, the exposed beams reach from inside the studio out into a six-foot overhang toward the landscape and main house. The overhang provides an added benefit by preventing direct sunlight from bleaching the textiles inside. We were also looking for a material to balance the cool white block walls strategically placed to provide privacy for our artist while she is working and found humble OSB. It’s color and patterns bring warmth and scale to the tall interior spaces, bringing harmony to the material pallet.

Image Courtesy Calico Studio

Our design works with color, texture, and pattern using a straightforward pallet; while the shape and structure of the roof expresses a leap into a world of possibilities. The combination of materials embodies our artist’s need for a calm centered space from which she can explore her mediums.

Tags: Redmond, Washington

Category: House

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