Project: Western Studio
Architect: goCstudio
Project Team: Jon Gentry AIA, Aimée O’Carroll ARB, Ben Kruse, Yuchen Qiu
Structural Engineering: J Welch Engineering
Builder: Sparrow Woodworks
Location: Seattle, Washington
Size: 995 square feet
Completion Date: 2019
Photography: Aaron Leitz
Text and Photos: Courtesy of goCstudio
Recognition: AIA Northwest and Pacific Region, Merit Award 2020
The transformation of this existing commercial unit located in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood into a live/workspace started with the designation of the two primary functions: photography studio and sleeping quarters, in other words, “snaps and naps.” The client is a software engineer by day, photographer by night, and host to social gatherings on the weekends and really wanted to use his living space in a variety of ways.
goCstudio remodeled and expanded the existing kitchen and bathroom spaces to all be housed in one box or cocoon space that could be closed off from the rest of the open floor plan. This box is built out with a multitude of concealed storage both above the upper platform and in and around the sleeping nook. The new insertion is built using stained plywood at the exterior, a felt lined bedroom, and a bathroom completely rebuilt with a new lining of venetian plaster.
The dark muted palette creates an inviting backdrop to the open plan living space. Custom details are visible throughout the interior. The sleeping nook features a ‘skylight’ above the bed which allows light and ventilation into the space via the combination of a concealed light box and fans. The neutral grays of the exterior continue through to the plaster of the bathroom interior with a custom carved Jatoba sink and vanity adding warmth and colour. Black Dornbracht fixtures are used both in the bathroom and kitchen.
A new custom-made dining table with top to match the Jatoba kitchen counter and bathroom vanity is accompanied by “Hanko Chairs” from Chadhaus. The photography studio utilizes a steel gantry which can hold various backdrop panels to divide the shoot space at varying depths from the dining room and kitchen.
Western Studio Apartment Products:
Dining Chairs: Chadhaus
Dining and Entry Pendant Lights: Studio David Pompa
Kitchen and Bathroom Fixtures by Dornbracht
Shower Rain Head: Cura
Bathroom Tile: Statements
Door Hardware: Emtek
