Modern Music Studio

With over eight acres of land, these homeowners came to us looking to create their dream backyard. Surrounded my mature forest, much of it untouched, they sought a design full of specialized spaces, connected via a network of trails within their wooded property.

Chief among their desired wish list of spaces was a music studio — a creative space away from the main house where the homeowners could be with friends and focus on creative pursuits.

Intentionally set among the trees, surrounded by ferns, nurse logs, and mature Douglas firs, the music studio’s location and form create a natural destination within the forest. Thoughtfully placed, the studio preserves as much of the existing land as possible while still creating an intentional and purposeful outbuilding suited to the homeowners’ needs.

The music studio’s form is a deliberate departure from the natural world: a highly glazed, modern box. The black, metal façade wraps around the roof and exterior walls for a uniform and monolithic appearance. Dark in color, it offers a dramatic statement while simultaneously merging with its natural setting. Throughout, accents of wood and concrete add to the sense of rugged connection to the surrounding environment.

Inside, the space is designed to accommodate a working music studio, with all the technology, audio, and electrical considerations necessary for such pursuits. The overall space is divided into two distinct spaces for different performance and recording needs.

One room can be completely enclosed for recording, with the space and acoustical requirements to accommodate a full band. Another, second room is designed for live performance. The performance space offers floor-to-ceiling windows and large sliding doors that open onto the studio’s deck, creating both stage and seating.

A kitchenette is also included for refreshments without needing to trek back to the main house.

The wall of windows creates a sense of both connection to and isolation from the surrounding forest. During the day, they act as a frame, highlighting the natural world from within. At night, the illuminated space stands as a secluded, glowing jewel within the darkened wood.

Notes & Credits
Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture by Board & Vellum.
Project Rendering by Board & Vellum.