BROOKS STUDIO

A client couple has asked us to design a mini studio in their backyard that is independent of the main house. There was only 1 request from each.
(1) building to be as LARGE as possible and attractive to guests or potential renters.
(2) building to be as SMALL as possible and have little or no visual impact from the main house.

Wow….

Scheme 1: FLOWER ROOF

There is no building, to be seen. Existing garden continues up along the wall in a planter form, camouflaging the entire back side of the building. Conventional planter is built onto the roof along with a standard sprinkler system. Inside, a deep kitchen counter is designed using the under space of a steep roof. In a spacious bedroom downstairs, there is a very long 17’ study desk for 2.


Planter : Interior : Street View


Side Elevation


Birds Eye View

1st Floor: 360 Sqft
2nd Floor: 345 Sqft
Total: 705 Sqft

Scheme 2: MANDALA

This is an all-in-one-floor design where the entire living space is above a 2 car garage. In order to create spaces for multiple activities, the bathroom is located in the center of the space, loosely dividing and connecting the spaces around it. 4 clearstory windows above the bathroom volume bring in indirect light into all sides and corners of the space. With this floor plan, a second bedroom or guest room can be easily created if necessary.


Dividing System : Street View : Clearstory Window


Birds Eye View


Interior Layout

1st Floor: 530 Sqft (2 car garage)
2nd Floor: 530 Sqft
Total: 1060 Sqft

Scheme 4: STRIPE & STRIP

This is the smallest plan of all. Kitchen is the size of the counter and the bathroom is the size of a toilet and a tub. Everything is in one space with the option of closing off each function with smooth sliding panels. When everything is open, there will be a nice whole-house cross ventilation. When cold, each layer of space acts as buffer, leaving the sleeping space one of the most insulated spaces in the house. Entrance area floor is stone and toilet /tub area finish is tile. Great space for entertaining.


Interior View : Close View of Facade


Street View


Interior View

1st Floor: 360 Sqft (2 car garage)
2nd Floor: 460 Sqft
Total: 820 Sqft

Scheme 3: LIGHT SHAFT

To reduce visual impact from the main house, the building height is lowered toward the main house. Consequently, the building width is narrowed at the front to allow for a small car to park. These 2 simple moves results in a high/narrow space on one side and low/wide space on the other. Utilizing the high space, a sleeping loft and balcony are added, partially hanging above the parking space. A very long skylight (30’) runs along the building, providing multiple quality and form of natural light throughout the day. Mini study area with floating book shelf is a bonus.


Light Study


Street View


Birds Eye View

1st Floor: 400 Sqft
2nd Floor: 150 Sqft
Total: 550 Sqft