Dezeen Magazine

Polygon Studio by Jeffery Poss and WORKUS Studio

This small wooden hut is a combined guest house and sculpture studio perching on the edge of Lake George in upstate New York (+ slideshow).

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

American architect Jeffery Poss worked with Chicago-based WORKUS Studio to design the two-storey Polygon Studio in the surrounding woodland of an existing house.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

The studio is built at a vantage point overlooking the lake. A tiny wooden balcony juts out from a top-floor loft to offer a view through the trees and down a flight of steps towards the water's edge.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

The ground floor features a spacious area for sculpture work with shelving for equipment on one wall and large sliding glass doors opposite. The guest room occupies a mezzanine that juts out overhead.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

"The interior result is a series of very distinct yet interconnected spaces," architect Jeffery Poss said.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

Vertical panels of locally-milled red cedar line the interior walls to create a cosy interior that references ski lodges and saunas.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

The building has a zig-zagging profile formed by a pair of gables, also clad in cedar panels. The remaining exterior walls and roof are covered in galvanised steel siding.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

A small square window offers a glimpsed view through one of the walls, while sliding glass doors face out onto the lake and provide the main source of natural light.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

Comparing the project to the rustic local style, the architect added: "The exterior cladding references Adirondack rural vernacular and helps emphasise the spatial conception."

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

Jeffery Poss previously designed a tea house with a roof that funnels water onto on adjacent pond.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC

Other studios in the woods to feature on Dezeen include a writer's hideaway, also in upstate New York, and a wooden treehouse housing an artists' studio in ScotlandSee more studios »

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
Site plan - click for larger image

Here's a project description from the architects:


Polygon Studio

The owners of a steep lakefront residential property wanted a small studio that could serve for making sculpture and accommodating guests.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
Ground floor plan - click for larger image

The form of the building reflects these two functions. The sculpture studio on the ground floor has both a large vertical light-filled space, as well as a lower service zone tucked under the loft.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
First floor plan - click for larger image

The guest loft above forms its own gabled volume and pronounced deck. The result is a series of very distinct yet interconnected spaces.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
Long section - click for larger image

The studio is located at the highest point of the property, along an access road that forms the western boundary. The guest space is at the pinnacle of the site, 130 steps up from the water’s edge.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
East elevation - click for larger image

This vista allows elevated tree-filtered views of Lake George. The exterior cladding references Adirondack rural vernacular and helps emphasise the spatial conception.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey Poss Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
North and south elevations - click for larger image

Galvanised steel siding wraps the gables and north end. Locally milled red cedar covers the polygonal east and west sides.

Polygon Studio by Jefferey S. Architect and WORKUS Studio LLC
West elevation - click for larger image

The cedar is reintroduced on the interior to create a warm and aromatic environment.