The Russian River Studio Is a Perfect Complement To Its Beautiful Woodland Site

At 864 square feet, the Russian River Studio doesn’t quite qualify as a tiny house, but it is on the small side. Indeed, it proves that big style can fit inside a small footprint, both in terms of conservation of space and of energy. Let’s take a look.

The Russian River Studio was designed by Cathy Schwabe Architecture to serve as a working retreat for a writer and photographer. Occasionally, it is also used to host small workshops or as a guest house.

The exterior of the house uses both wood and metal siding. The metal siding, located on the north side of the house, offers superior protection where it is needed. You can see that a couple of contrasting colors were used for the trim. This unusual choice creates a very striking effect.

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The interior is wide open, just as you probably guessed. Colorful panels are used to break up the white walls. Behind them are various workspaces. The floor of this main room is polished concrete.

Here is another shot of the exact same space, showcasing its adaptability. Notice how the yellow panels have been pulled aside to reveal a small workstation which is bathed in color and warmth.

Here is what the view looks like in the other direction:

All those huge windows and doors offer stunning views and lots of light.

Green features include natural light and ventilation, high-performance glass in the windows and doors, locally-harvested cedar, and low-use water fixtures. The choice of concrete for the floors is no accident either; it helps improve the home’s thermal mass, which is its ability to absorb and store heat.

The Russian River Studio does an incredible job keeping a small space open, airy, and inviting. Learn more about it here http://www.cathyschwabearchitecture.com/projects/russian-river.html, and take a look at Cathy Schwabe’s other projects for even more architectural inspiration.