The addition was designed to minimize disturbance to the fragile desert ecosystem. We designed a steel structure supported by six concrete caissons, allowing the studio to float over the existing desert dry wash vegetation by touching the ground only at these specific locations.   

The cladding consists primarily of weathering steel panels. Reflective, high performance glazing is used throughout the project. The insulated glazing is configured with the reflective surface-on-surface glass, which maximizes heat rejection while offering the most reflection. The combination of these two cladding materials allows the studio to complement, absorb, and mirror the landscape. 

The open plan facilitates the space’s flexible uses as both a working artist’s studio and gallery space. Three large movable partitions can be configured in any manner, increasing spatial diversity and art display areas. An integrated artwork hanging system is embedded and detailed within the drywall, establishing a datum for the display and review of artwork. Bi-parting sliding glass doors are located directly over the vegetation in order to celebrate a specific moment in the desert landscape, while the window placement allows for encompassing views of Camelback Mountain in the distance.