My-pavilion.com

Amy Bloom is an award-winning writer and author, whose little backyard writing studio behind her home in central Connecticut recalls Thoreau’s little cabin on Walden Pond.   Amy’s wonderful retreat is featured in Debra Prinzing’s equally terrific book, Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways, a must-read for the getaway in all of us.

The little building, nestled in a wooded setting, fits naturally among the gray barked trees with its naturally weathering exterior clapboard.  Warm ambient lighting washes a knotty-pine interior, emanating a yellow glow through the significant window surfaces.  The contrast between the grayness of winter and the sun-like glow of the interior make for a magnetic pull both to the eye and the spirit.   See Debra’s book for some great interior shots.

This charming studio getaway was created by Timber Design Limited, in Devon, U.K. the studio is nestled into a landscape with exquisite river views and is supported on a steel micro-pile foundation.

Principal Cameron Scott explains that sustainability guides the  design process and drives selection of materials.  Larch wood was selected for the major timber components because of its natural durability.  The building is insulated with sheep’s wool.  The roof covering is a simple corrugated sheet steel with an interesting glass entry awning.

Although the building appears to be simple, the connections, joinery of materials, and tolerances are more like those of a furniture cabinet.  For more information and photos, visit the TDL website.

For the modernist pavilion lovers, take a look at Kithaus. They describe what they manufacture as a “true modular site constructed pre-fabricated housing system”. Their structures are made from milled aluminum shapes that are pre-cut and drilled for easy installation. This makes the finished assembly very strong, yet lightweight and easy to transport. Co-owner Tom Sandonato tells us that Kithaus – through its marketing connection with Design Within Reach – is providing product coast-to-coast.

Canadian manufacturer Cedarshed makes an interesting 12’ x 12’ all-cedar greenhouse which can be adapted for a variety of uses. Shown here is an adaptation for an artist’s studio. Translucent roofing panels provide abundant diffuse light, and door openings on either end provide for flow-through ventilation. The company’s products are modular and shippable. The model shown is ideal as a work or hobby space in moderate climates, or for seasonal use in less temperate ones.

This exquisitely handsome Seattle backyard home office was recently featured in the New York Times. It was designed by Ryan Smith, a Seattle architect, for a sales rep who works from home. Smith used the project as a springboard to start MetroShed, which now offers similar prefabricated buildings, starting at $10,000.