The Williams Studio is a photographer’s studio, constructed over a boathouse on Stony Lake, Ontario, Canada. Designed by Ontario based architects, GH3, it was inspired by the glass house in the Canadian Shield.
The purpose of the building as a studio and living accommodation dictated the importance of light and space within its design. The glass façade ensures that the interior is flooded with natural daylight and permits the surrounding landscape to become the decorative feature of the interior. The installation of a low-iron glass curtain serves as an extra skin to the building and provides varied lighting, an essential requirement of a photographer’s studio.
Built on a dark granite plinth, the two-level studio/residence is open plan with glass dividing walls as well as some solid interior walls lined with white lacquered panels to reflect the light. The client’s specification for sustainability of the building was a vital design requirement. This has been achieved through the exploitation of the granite thermal mass as well as the integration of the river within the heating and cooling systems. The natural characteristics of the site have been left intact and the minimalistic feel of the building does not intrude on the stark landscape.
