A Photographer’s “Forever” Home and Studio (Unbuilt Design)

This building extends a welcoming hand of greeting before visitors even knock on the door.

A handrail emerges from the interior to the front walk, inviting users to take hold and be led within. It’s the perfect gesture for a photographer’s studio where the owner can showcase
her art to buyers, conduct photo sessions, and process images.

This dramatic, light-filled space is also an accessible home where the owner can live and work well into old age.

Siting and Lighting

The site is a narrow, 25’x90’ infill lot. The largest possible volume is achieved by building to 25’ above grade (the maximum allowed by zoning), and 10’ below grade.

Tight side yard setbacks (and an unfortunate backyard view) restrict the use of glazing.

Light and fresh air enter through rooftop clerestory windows and the street-front façade. This “quiet” light is ideal for the studio.

The exterior is clad in concrete masonry units (CMUs) in a pin-wheel pattern, with the centre square periodically replaced by glass block. Replacing conventional glazing this way doubles the quantity of glass permitted by code.

Home is Where Your Lab Is

Upon entering, visitors find themselves in a volume filled with photographs suspended on cabling. The space has little indication of being a residence.

The descending ramp leads clients and models into the workshop filled with photography equipment. The “old school” film development and printing lab are also here.

Ramp It Up

To maximize cohesion and achieve a graceful flow of space to browse while walking, the design employs 3-ply cross laminated timber (CLT) ramps rather than stairs; using CLT is less predictable, more environmentally responsible, and quieter than a steel ramp.

Senior-friendly homes usually have residential elevators, but the ramp provides accessibility more graciously. The cabling that creates the handrail segues into a flexible art hanging system where the photographic “scenery” changes as for a stage performance.

Keeping It on the (Hand) Rails

The handrail, like the cabling, is “sewn” through the space to function as a guard rail. But at times these are adapted playfully to other uses, including a shower curtain, a coat rack, and a seat’s back.

Tower of Strength

All of the mechanical requirements, ducts, and the master bathroom are stacked in a sculptural tower that extends the full height of the interior volume.

Assembly in a Snap

The prefabricated wood products: cross-laminated timber and Glu-lam are “snapped” together onsite.

Because the complexity has been dealt with on the computer in the design phase, onsite labour costs are reduced.

A Place to Call Home

The ascending ramp flows back and forth to a third level, which houses most of the living areas. A dark-painted volume on the ramp’s first landing contains the bedroom.

The tall and narrow “box of space” ensures that the private domain is tucked out of sight for privacy.

Think Inside the Box

With this project, even a humble box-like form reaches for a cathedral-like quality to stage the artist’s work.