This was an interesting small project to design a sustainable art studio on a beautiful wooded site in Napa. The design intent was to create the feeling of a simple barn with an understated palette, incorporating a modern aesthetic and material palette rooted in the classic California barn. Corrugated Corten roofing is aging to a soft rust color, accenting the rich red earth. The exterior volume complements the simplicity of material inside and out, creating an understated backdrop for the client’s art - both as a painting studio and a gallery. The North facing dormer accentuates the pair of 12 foot tall glass garage doors that may be opened to include the natural landscape. The interior has a simple clear coated plywood floor which over time will obtain a character reflecting the work that occurs. On this project great lengths were taken to emphasize sustainability, with large north facing expanses of doors and skylights for natural day lighting. Careful material choice includes wheat board cabinetry, Paperstone counters in the small office, low VOC finishes and natural ventilation with the operable skylights and minimal west facing glass.