The ceramics studio designed by GO'C s organized on two levels: a ground floor and a mezzanine. The ground floor serves as a ceramics workshop, classroom, temporary shop, space for communal dinners, and the area where two kilns are located. The mezzanine level houses an office, which can also function as a guest room.
The roof incorporates three large skylights: one in the mezzanine, one in the interior studio, and one in the oven area. The construction features exposed beams, both inside and out, to harmonize the space with its structural rhythm. The finishes are in warm wood tones, combined with white walls on the lower level and wood on the upper level.
Ceramics Studio by GO'C. Photograph by Kevin Scott.
Project description by GO'C
Ceramics Studio is a new detached workshop and classroom that was permitted as a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) for this urban residential lot in West Seattle. The new structure offers an abundance of natural light and generous interior and exterior spaces for forming and firing ceramics.
The client is a talented maker of functional ceramics who grew up in Northern Saskatchewan, part of the Denesuline tribe. The land she comes from has always informed her work. “Powerful history, sustenance and stillness, all at once” is the way she describes this place that is deeply woven into her creations. “The forms I make are quiet and simplified designs. I gravitate towards natural earthy tones.” The design team’s challenge was to create a space that would honour her history and work. The architecture needed to be a powerful yet simple expression with an aim to further inspire her making and teaching others interested in the art and craft of ceramics.
Finding ample studio space for sculpting and firing ceramics in Seattle is not easy and comes at a premium for renting. Due to her growing online business and desire to host classes and pop-up shops, the client was interested in building her own space that was closely aligned with her functional needs and design sensibilities. Having lived in the existing residence for a few years, she wanted to build a ceramics studio which would also act as a future DADU. It was important that the space was filled with natural light for working and also had direct access to an exterior terrace for two kilns. A large cantilever roof extends from interior to exterior to create the working terrace, increasing the usable space of the studio. A series of large skylights that pierce the roof in three key locations (loft, interior studio, covered exterior kilns), drop natural light where it is needed most. Exposed rafters inside and out create a structural rhythm and beautiful warm wood tones tying the entire space together. A strong material transition with white display walls below and warm wood above further echo the lines of the structure and cantilevered roof. This wood underside to the structure is illuminated with linear up/down lighting to create warmth in the space year round through our long winters.
Built on a tight budget, the client worked full-time alongside the contractor in the making of this space and enlisted her partner and friends to come together to create this neighborhood hub. Since its completion, the space has been used as: ceramics studio, classroom, holiday pop-up shop, kitchen prep space, communal dinners, and office/guest bedroom (up in the loft).
