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Part painting studio, part home office, this modern building designed by Ballman Khapalova overlooks a picturesque landscape.
Set on the foundation of a dilapidated 1950s garage, the Anchorage Road artist studio stands on a steep slope to create an entry courtyard with the main home, an 1800s farmhouse. Ithaca- based practice Ballman Khapalova completed both the renovation of the farmhouse and the construction of the modern art studio, establishing a poetic analogy between traditional and contemporary architecture. Here, past and present meet with the always-changing beauty of nature, in the verdant landscape of Germantown, New York.
While designed with a compact footprint, the studio maximizes usable space and functionality. North and south openings frame different sides of the surrounding mature trees and boost access to natural light. The building follows the slope of the terrain. On one side, towards the neighboring houses, the angled roof makes the structure almost disappear from view; on the other, it opens up the interior to the landscape while creating the perfect spot for a series of solar panels.
More than just a light-filled artist studio, the structure also houses an office which benefits from the property’s most spectacular views of the lush trees, neighboring fields, and the glimmer of the Hudson River in the distance. To the north, a clerestory window welcomes natural light into the painting area yet provides complete privacy. To the east, a double-height storage space provides room for art supplies. This area then leads to a bathroom with a toilet, a shower and a utility sink brightened by a wall of yellow tiles. Floor-to-ceiling glazing brightens the space and also connects it to the green surroundings.
The architecture practice used simple, durable and fuss-free materials for the project. For example, CDX plywood covers the floors and the walls, adding a beautiful texture throughout the studio. Outside, a dark finish matches the hues of the vegetation. Finally, practical storage areas, including for firewood and tools, are cleverly set between the piers holding the new south facade. Photography© Ballman Khapalova.
