Artist Residence by the creek
Nestled along the quiet edge of a creek, this artist residence lives up to its name—both a home and a sanctuary for creative work. Designed for a couple of full-time artists, the project combines domestic life and artistic practice under one roof.
The main house serves as both living quarters and studio, oriented to capture soft eastern light. A continuous wall of glazing opens the interior to the creek, allowing the morning sun to flood the space and offering a constant dialogue with the natural surroundings.
Connected to the main house is a flexible garage and guest studio, accessible from both upper and lower levels, providing additional space for making, hosting, or retreat. The entire design prioritizes light, openness, and a direct relationship to the land—offering not only a place to live and work, but to be inspired.
Southern View
On the southern side, a double-sided fireplace anchors both the interior living room and an outdoor side yard, creating a seamless extension of living space into the landscape. Clad in locally sourced stone, the fireplace adds warmth and texture—its rustic materiality standing in bold contrast to the crisp, modern black silhouette of the building. This outdoor room becomes a seasonal gathering space, blurring the boundary between home and nature.
Floorplan
The floor plan is split into two levels: a dwelling on the ground floor and a studio above. The layout forms a semi-courtyard between the living area and the primary bedroom. The kitchen, dining, and living spaces are open and integrated, featuring built-in seating. The bathroom is designed for full indulgence, with separate areas for the bath, shower, and soaking tub.
Solar and Form
The building is designed to capture maximum solar energy from the south and east, with a southern garden and patio that help retain warmth. Glazing is minimized on the west to reduce afternoon heat gain, while eastern exposure is maximized to bring in morning light and passive solar warmth.
Minimal Curb Appear
On the west side, facing the street, we developed a minimal yet modern curb appeal. The building acts as a large canvas, with vertical lines expressed in a clean, modern form. Windows are carefully placed to create an abstract, sculptural composition.
Lights and Art
The art studio occupies the upper floor—a single, expansive open space designed for both creating and displaying work. The workstation is positioned at the east-facing window, offering a direct view of the creek. Generous glazing on the east and south sides fills the studio with natural light throughout the day.
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