Butterfly Studio

Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton
Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton

BUTTERFLY STUDIO

Valerie Schweitzer Architects

AREA
350 ft²

YEAR
2007

MANUFACTURERS
Duravit, Lutron, HVAC, Douglas

LOCATION
Westport, United States

PHOTOGRAPHS
Tom Leighton, Paul Bartholomeuw

CATEGORY
Small Scale

Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton
Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton

Inspired in part by the closing of a butterfly’s wings and other organic forms, this 350 square-foot art studio and the private office for a family home in Westport, Connecticut, provides a serene refuge.

Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton
Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton

Like shards protruding from the earth, the studio’s angled panels clad in stucco and recycled teak, impart a primitive and futuristic quality at the same time. The structure exploits the potential of glass, wood and steel.

The expansive skylight of steel and thermally-insulated glass eliminates the need for day-lighting, even for an artist. It also creates an airiness despite the confined floor plate.

Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton
Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton
Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton

Efficiency is furthered by the sealed poured concrete floor that contains radiant heat piping; one may roll a work desk on wheels throughout the space.

Due to the skylight and narrow windows, there is a strong sense of privacy and being hidden from the rest of the world. The view of changing skies and light create an optimal space for intermittent reflection during artistic production.

Cross-ventilation is achieved by carefully placed windows that capture breezes off the proximate Long Island Sound. A half-bath is included.

Butterfly Studio
© Tom Leighton


Butterfly Studio
West Elevation