When a retired couple decided they needed more space for their leisurely pursuits—yoga, gardening and art—they hired designers at Feldman Architecture to dream up perfect retreats. The result is two cabins-cum-studios located just a stones throw from their existing hill side home in Mill Valley, California. Connected by a stone path, one cabin houses an art studio while the other is a yoga space and guest suite. Rather than regrading the land or chopping trees down for more space, the designers cleverly stacked the cabins on the hill and built around existing trees. Now, the verdant scenery serves as inspiration for the artist, and a fun project for the gardener.
Real Estate
Two modern cabins for two artistic pursuits
Mill Valley cabins
The two cabins are clad in weathered-looking wood panels to match the existing pine and redwood trees. The upper cabin, seen here, is home to the artist studio. Huge windows offer inspiring views. In total, the two cabins are 880-square-feet.
Mill Valley cabins
In order to keep a light footprint, the architects decided to design two separate cabins rather than one larger building. The two cabins were placed between existing trees, which also meant there was only minimal re-grading of the land required. Separating the two studios also gives each homeowner their own private retreat.
Mill Valley cabins
The lower cabin houses the yoga studio and guest suite. We love the transom windows and huge sliding doors – just think about all that gorgeous speckled light! A large wooden deck allows for the studio to extend to the outdoors.
Mill Valley cabins
The art studio is located in the upper cabin. Huge windows and skylights make the space feel airy and spacious, even when it’s cluttered with canvases. Simple cabinetry is perfect for storing art supplies, while a sink makes clean-up easy. A vintage cart – stuffed with paint and brushes – is a nice contrast to the super modern interiors.
Mill Valley cabins
The roof of the lower cabin is a gardener’s dream. Vegetable, herbs and flowers co-mingle on the roof-top garden to form a quilt-like pattern. Larger bushes and trees line the pathway that leads from the upper cabin to the lower structure.
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