Decked Out Studio

Perched high above Lions Bay sits an 800 sq.ft. artist’s studio complete with upper rooftop deck. The views are undeniable. A stretch across the main house gives access to the studio and from there a set of cedar steps matching the exterior siding lead to the rooftop deck. Left untouched, this cedar will silver over time. The homeowners wanted this addition to blend in with nature, nesting among the Grand Fir trees. The one level studio with two working sinks, is a retreat for the artist of the family to craft their magic. The warm wood walls juxtaposed with the cool concrete walls and black aluminum glass windows and sliding doors, give this space a serious West Coast vibe. Basic materials were used such as plywood floors and walls to lessen the environmental impact. The floors are painted in Tiffany blue and here is where the colour ends. The remaining palette of walls and custom cabinetry with shelving above is kept neutral in white and wood. A black-metal oversized table anchors the room. Countertops along the perimeter are done in engineered stone for durability. There is a small deck off the pottery-wheel room railed in cedar and metal grills.

For more outdoor space, a rooftop deck was built for maximum enjoyment of the views. The deck is large enough for entertaining, complete with barbeque, table and chairs for outdoor dining and a lounge area for relaxing. A continuation of the exterior cedar, the deck is clad the same, with black metal rail caps for continuity. Open to the elements the deck is meant to be enjoyed in the warmer weather. To counter the cold and wet seasons cedar was chosen as it has many benefits such as being naturally resistant to insects and rot, warp proof, resistant to temperature and weather conditions and requires less maintenance than other types of wood.

D'Arcy Jones Architects