Words provided by Campos Studio. Photos by Andrew Latreille.
It is often a set of tight constraints that lead one to design some of the most interesting projects. Our studio was approached to design a dedicated space to create music after years of occupying leftover and impractical spaces in the client’s main house. On the surface this seemed like a simple request, but given that the main house occupies the lots maximum allowed area on a triangular lot, it became clear that the only way to legally introduce an addition was through a provision the exempt structure measured less than 50 square feet.
The goal was to create a private space to focus on a creative passion that would be inspiring, unobtrusive, and secure. In order to counter the footprint restraints, we enhanced the space volumetrically. Filling the most unusable space on the narrow part of their site, the shed adopted an atypical, triangular-shaped footprint.
Built from simple materials and standard construction techniques, the form is further expanded vertically, soaring toward a single skylight which floods the interior with natural daylight. Carefully placed glazing allows light to enter without distortion or reflection that may impact the music.
The shed provides a small but separate space, withdrawn from the activity of the main house. In its closed condition, the project appears as a singular object, backdropped by the lush garden; a secret music box. When opened, it becomes integrated into the garden, and its deck transforms into a courtyard. The Music Shed is a sanctuary dedicated to the creation and production of music.
