Jeffery S.Poss Architect was given a brief to create a home and a separate building to be used both as a sculptor’s artist’s studio and a guesthouse – both on a steep slope overlooking George Lake. The architect positioned “Polygon Studio” on the highest elevation within the property, along the western boundary and next to the access road. The main level is the sculpting workspace and the guest suite is upstairs and while the site is well treed, views of the lake below can easily be seen from both levels of the structure.
The studio is 130 steps up from the edge of the lake – literally – as there are staircases and paths that connects the structure to the lake below.
A parking space is tucked next to the studio.
The north side of the studio overlooks the parking space and this side has been clad in galvanized steel as has the double pitched roof.
The other three sides are covered in locally milled boards of red cedar.
The roof gable facing the views continues past the edge of the structure to create a covered porch below and a larger living space above.
The entrance to the studio is tucked under the overhang.
Inside the studio, the knotty cedar is continued on the ceiling, several walls, the shelving unit and the trim. The cedar not only creates a warm aesthetic visually, it also fills the structure with a woodsy aroma for a stimulating sensory experiences.
Tucked in behind the shelving unit is a stairwell that leads to the guest loft and while completely clad in cedar, a viewing void with horizontal steel rods has been integrated into the mezzanine rail
The safety rails are designed wide enough to create a comfortable place to rest elbows for easy conversation between those upstairs and those downstairs.
As a guest, my favorite viewing spot would be to sit on the floor, lean against the wall, look through the steel rods and watch the creative action below with a cup of coffee in hand.
Aside from making an a great viewing spot, the void within the cedar rail also allows heat from the wood stove to easily flow into the loft area. Additionally the ceiling fan keeps the heat from collecting in the highest point by redirecting it down and about.
On hot summer days, the loft has a balcony that projects out towards the lake. From here glazings can be left open for a cooling effect.
Jeffery S. Poss Architect
Photography by Jeffery S. Poss, FAIA
