In Seattle, this backyard ceramics studio was designed as both a workspace and future home for a maker whose practice is rooted in the landscapes of Northern Saskatchewan. Designed by studio GO’C for an artist, known for her quiet, functional pieces that draw deeply on memories of her homeland, the brief called for a building that could honour that connection – while also supporting a growing online business, in-person classes and occasional events. 

With studio space in the city scarce and expensive, it became a no-brainer to build in the garden of the existing home. The compact building pairs a light-filled ceramics studio with the potential to convert into a detached dwelling in the future. Natural light was a priority, informing the large skylights that puncture the roof, channelling daylight directly onto the main work areas. A small loft was added along with an outdoor kiln terrace, with the structure’s generous cantilever extending the roofline outward to add shelter to the exterior workspace.

Inside, exposed rafters create a steady visual rhythm, while warm timber surfaces contrast with crisp white display walls below. The result is a calm, purposeful space that reflects the client’s aesthetic. Follow GO’C for more projects.

Photography © Kevin Scott