A Tiny Writer's Beach Retreat As Serene Contemplate Space

The existing one-room studio building was acquired by a poet writer, as a hideaway for writing and peaceful thought. The shabby edifice, located only feet from the Stinson Beach and the old town center, full of promise and in dire need of a new custodian, was overhauled by Fischer Architecture in California.

The original construction was a jumbled mess of small compartments with changing floor levels and limited natural light. The majority of the structure did not meet with current setback regulations, necessitating a complete reconstruction.

The studio's north elevation is dominated by tall glass folding doors that fill the area with diffuse sunshine. Skylights throughout the room produce a dynamic dance of shadows and reflections that shift throughout the day.

A shed that has been turned into a small home has a full kitchen, bathroom, eating, lounge, and sleeping areas, all inside the current 500 square foot footprint of the building.

On the east and west slides, clerestory windows that follow the contour of the roof form enable additional light to penetrate while ensuring seclusion from neighbors.

The studio's connection to its vast front garden was a major component of the design. The building's stone flooring spreads outward to form a terrace that doubles the size of the living area.

Photos by Caitlin Atkinson Photography.