With the popularity of tiny homes and buildings utilizing shipping containers, Studio ISO is an example of West Coast Contemporary architecture capitalizing on both trends.
At just under 600 sq ft with a small loft/mezzanine accessed by a ladder above, Studio ISO could be considered a true tiny home. Constructed using 2 standard 8*20′ shipping containers that sandwich a taller stick framed middle the building is in harmony with it’s coastal bluff site as well as other architecture on the spectacular 5 acre waterfront property.
The chunky corrugated steel exteriors of the seacans are still recognizable underneath their new metallic aluminum paint. The remainder of the studio is clad in local red cedar. In contrast, the interiors are finished in traditional drywall, ceramic tile, quartz and wood laminates. Container wall sections that were cut out early on in the construction process to create the open floorplan now will serve as fence panels to help enclose the entry courtyard along with the native understory and existing mature trees. Two thirds of the panels have been sandblasted to strip them down to their rusty origins. A couple of the container doors fit perfectly on the adjacent woodshed. Now we just need to figure out a purpose for the remaining 2 doors and all parts of the containers will have been re-used.
Intended as a flexible space for exercise, art, massage, yoga as well as occasional guest accommodations, the studio has a full complement of compact appliances to make it fully functional There is even a washer/dryer tucked into the entry closet. A feature gas fireplace efficiently heats the whole space with extra warmth for tootsies throughout the bathroom and shower with in-floor heating. A queen murphy bed provides comfortable sleeping space on the main floor while a double mattress adds additional capacity in the loft.
While only a handful of trees were removed for the building footprint, over 40 trees and scores of other plants are planned to re-landscape the site. Screening, interest and habitat have been carefully considered to provide privacy while preserving desirable views. Completion date February 2020.
