Scavenger Studio

Scavenger Studio is a 914-square-foot studio designed for an artist/activist. The little structure is situated in the woods in rural Washington state, and was built using as much free-cycled material as possible. Scavenged materials—ranging from cabinetry to stair treads to plants—were salvaged from homes slated to be demolished. The kitchen and living area occupies the ground level of the double-height interior, while a sleeping loft is above. A panel next to the bed drops down, opening the room to its surroundings. The studio sits light on the land, resting on a simple, six-footed foundation which also helped to limit construction costs. The facade is clad in T1-11 plywood, which was charred by the owner using a Japanese technique called shou sugi ban which preserves the wood and creates a darker tonal value that helps to blend the home into the surrounding forest. The exterior also includes a painted Hardie Panel. Kitchen cabinets were saved from a house the contractor was demolishing. The floor is masonite, the ceilings are plywood, and the walls are drywall. Polycarbonate panels were used for clerestory windows.