The Anchorage Road Artist Studio, designed by Ballman Khapalova, is a 680-square-foot retreat for artist Natasha Sweeten in Germantown, New York. Conceived as both a painting studio and office, the project balances economy, efficiency, and an intimate dialogue with the surrounding landscape, while offering a secluded sanctuary for creative practice.
Integration with Landscape
The studio sits on a steep slope adjacent to a renovated 1800s farmhouse, forming a shared courtyard shaded by mature trees. Its roofline follows the natural topography, concealing the mass from neighboring views while optimizing the south-facing facade for solar panels. As the land drops away, the interior appears to float within the landscape, overlooking fields and the Hudson River beyond.
Light and Material Strategy
The design prioritizes natural illumination: a north-facing clerestory delivers steady daylight for painting, while full-height windows on the south wall invite warmth and connection to the outdoors. The floor and walls are clad in CDX plywood, chosen for its durability, flexibility, and unfussy character—qualities that align with the experimental nature of an artist’s workspace.
Flexible Storage and Amenities
Behind the studio wall, a double-height storage volume reveals its framing, doubling as shelving for canvases and tools. This area flows into a bathroom equipped with a toilet, shower, and utility sink, all bathed in daylight. The integration of functional zones ensures that work, rest, and storage coexist seamlessly within the compact footprint.
A Studio Rooted in Reuse
The new building rises from the foundation of a derelict 1950s garage, reusing the existing cistern to house mechanicals. Alongside the main volume, a tool wall, wood storage bench, and sheltered entry integrate with the structural piers. This approach underscores Ballman Khapalova’s commitment to sustainable reuse and contextual design, offering Natasha Sweeten a workspace that is as grounded as it is inspiring.
Through projects like the Anchorage Road Artist Studio, Ballman Khapalova continues to demonstrate a thoughtful approach to architecture, where site, material, and purpose converge into meaningful spaces for living and creating.
Technical Sheet
| Anchorage Road Artist Studio | |
|---|---|
| Location | Germantown, New York, United States |
| Architect | Ballman Khapalova |
| Client | Natasha Sweeten |
| Area | 680 sq ft |
| Year | 2025 |
| Program | Artist studio and office with storage and bathroom |
| Materials | CDX plywood, glass, repurposed foundation |
