Ballman Khaplova has created her own artist's studio in Germantown, New York, a self-contained structure designed as a functional, light-filled space for painter and sculptor Natasha Sweeten. The modest 680 square meter building houses Sweeten's creative studio as well as storage and office space and offers bespoke north and south views.
Anchorage Road Artist Studio by Ballman Khaplova
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
Tour this artist's studio in upstate New York
Built on the foundations of an existing 1950s garage structure, the Anchorage Road Artist Studio was designed to be as economical and efficient as possible. Located on a hillside plot next to a renovated 19th century farmhouse, the studio has a simple square floor plan divided into a large work area adjoined by an office, shop and bathroom.
The studio has a bathroom next to the office
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
The pent roof is covered with solar panels that take advantage of the south-facing orientation, with high windows on the north-facing entrance façade providing the best working light. A glass wall looks out onto the garden and the landscape beyond to the south, with the Hudson River in the distance.
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
The architects arranged the floor levels so that the studio is on the same level as the entrance, with the structure elevated above a space for storing tools and firewood. Simple, durable materials are used throughout, including specialist moisture-resistant CDX plywood for the studio floors and walls.
The studio has storage space in addition to the main work area
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
The studio has storage space in addition to the main work area
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
The high-ceilinged studio features double-height storage for canvases and art supplies, with the glazed south-facing facade also providing light for the desk and bathroom. The plywood cladding is combined with white-painted walls and ceilings, while the outside of the studio is finished in a dark gray.
Entrance facade with the clerestory windows above the studio room
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
The studio is next to a restored 19th century farmhouse
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
Peter Ballman and Dasha Khapalova's architectural practice is based in Ithaca, New York. Before starting her own studio, Ballman worked for Barkow Leibinger and Kohn Pederson Fox as well as Himma Studio, while Khapalova also worked for Barkow Leibinger as well as TENBerke, SOM and OBRA Architects. The directors are also the founders of Rotary Park Inc., a nonprofit organization that aims to transform New York's Holland Tunnel Rotary into a new public space.
Anchorage Road Artist Studio by Ballman Khaplova
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
The studio is above a new storage room
(Image credit: Ballman Khaplova)
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