valerie schweitzer architects protrudes studio of shards in connecticut garden

with organic forms sourced from nature, most specifically the closing of a butterfly’s wings, the ‘butterfly studio’ by valerie schweitzer architects has been named winner of the 2017 american architecture prize. located in westport, connecticut in the USA, the 350 square-foot art and private office is hidden within the back garden of a family house, offering a serene and peaceful refuge to be inspired, create and complete work.

image © tom leighton (also main image)

the angled shapes of the ‘butterfly studio’, which protrude from the ground like shards or as an assembly of a crown, reflect both a futuristic yet primitive appearance. configured of glass, wood and steel, this combination of old and new materials support this vision and continues to propose the argument of whether the object has been there for centuries or has just fallen from outer space. these images are further enhanced with the use of contrasting stucco and recycled teak cladding.

image © tom leighton

inside, valerie schweitzer architects have created an expansive skylight of steel and thermally-insulated glass, as well as featuring multiple narrow wall windows. these not only eliminate the need for day-lighting, but also creates an open atmosphere where users can reflect upon the changing skies during artistic production, whilst feeling a strong sense of privacy from the outside world. furthermore, the sealed poured concrete floor, which contains heat piping, allows work desks and equipment to be wheeled across the studio and in to the perfect configurations.

image © tom leighton

image © paul bartholomeuw

image © paul bartholomeuw

image © tom leighton