TBD architecture nestles couple's art studio into a tree line in new york

TBD architecture nestles couple’s art studio into a tree line in new york
(above) the studio is made of two intersecting volumes of different materials
all images courtesy of TBD architecture

the ‘leff art studio’ is a new art studio for a couple on the same property of their existing residence in watermill, new york. the studio is nestled into a tree line at the edge of the property. the architecture is made up of two intersecting volumes; one is a steel frame with a translucent polycarbonate curtain wall and one is a wood frame with cedar siding and punched windows. the first volume houses a collage studio for him and the second houses a ceramic studio for her.

frontal view of the art studio

the site, a developed residential lot, called for the accessory structure to be located within a cluster of mature trees. in pursuit of not damaging any existing trees, TBD architecture and design studio bent the building shape to fit between the trees. furthermore, the foundation was designed to reduce disturbance to existing root systems. the slab floor was designed to be elevated on a steel frame which rests on 14 concrete piers. the steel frame was designed such that when the piers were hand dug, should a large root be encountered, the pier could be relocated up to 3 feet away from their designed location and the root left intact. all trenching for utilities was also hand dug, large roots were left in place and any required conduits were threaded underneath. all nearby trees have survived.

the volumes are intersected to create the art studio

the two intersecting volumes are each composed of distinctive skins which reflect the two different working environments. the polycarbonate system creates a private and introverted space filled with diffused natural light while projecting and obscuring colors and shadows from the surrounding environment onto the interior walls. the more typical wood framed volume introduces a series of punctures, framing views of the yard and the house, creating a more direct visual connection with the surroundings. from the main house, the studio can be seen from the entertaining areas and at night the translucent volume offers an option of either glowing or of providing a light show directed by a spinning disco ball and a color changing spot light.

the collage studio

the polycarbonate curtain wall diffuse the light and reflects the shadows of the trees

the windows in the ceramic studio frames the view of the main house and the yard 

view from the ceramic studio looking towards the collage studio

side view of the collage studio 

the diffused light glows through the polycarbonate wall at night

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom